1. Español 2 Avancemos Lección Preliminar
Stem-changing Verbs
Español 2
Avancemos
Lección Preliminar

2. Stem-Changing Verbs
The stem of a verb is the part of the infinitive that is left after you take of the endings –er, ar, or –ir.
For example, the stem of the the verb almorzar is almorz-.
Stem-changing verbs have a change in their stem in all forms of the present tense EXCEPT FOR the nosotros (as) and vosotros (as) forms.

3. e  ie o  ue e  i There are three types of stem-changing verbs:
e-ie/e-i/o-ue. Here are some of them….
e  ie
pensar = to think
querer = to want
perder = to lose
entender = to understand
preferir = to prefer
o  ue
almorzar = to eat lunch
poder = to be able/can
encontrar = to find
dormir = to sleep
volver = to return
e  i
servir = to serve
pedir = to order
seguir = to follow
competir = to compete

4. Steps to conjugating a stem-changing verb
Cross off AR/ER/ or IR from the infinitive.
Write the pronouns (yo, tú, etc…)
Change the stem to the changed stem in everything EXCEPT NOSOTROS AND VOSOTROS.
4) Add the AR/ER/ or IR endings (depending on the type of
verb.
5) Translate pronouns and all forms of the verb into English.
Now you are done!!! If you did it correctly, the stem changed forms of the verb are shaped like a boot.

5. Boot Verbs
Stem-changing verbs are sometimes referred to as “boot verbs”. This is because the forms of the verb that change the stem make the shape of a boot

6. Poder – to be able/can (o-ue stem-changing verb)Yo
nosotros/as tú
vosotros/as
él/ella
usted
ellos/ellas/ustedes

7. Pedir – to order (e – i stem change)
singular
plural
Yo pido
nosotros/as pedimos
Tú pides
vosotros/as pedís
él/ella
usted pide
ellos/ellas
ustedes piden

8. Querer – to want (e-ie stem changing verb)
singular
plural
Yo quiero
nosotros queremos
tú quieres
vosotros queréis
él/ella/usted
quiere
Ellos/ellas/ustedes
quieren

9. Vamos a practicar:
Conjugate the following stem-changing verbs. When done, draw a boot around the ones that changed the stem (everything EXCEPT NOSOTROS/VOSOTROS)
Remember – the er/ir/ar endings will remain the same as you have previously learned.
E IE PENSAR = TO THINK
E  I SERVIR = TO SERVE
O  UE ALMORZAR = TO EAT LUNCH