A1 Spanish grammar
Spanish IR Verbs: Present-Tense Endings and Examples
Spanish IR verbs follow a regular present-tense pattern. Remove -ir from the infinitive to find the stem, then add the ending that matches the subject. This focused lesson complements the broader Spanish present-tense guide.
Form Spanish IR verbs in the present tense
Start with a regular -ir infinitive. Keep its stem and change only the ending to show who performs the action.
Yo vivo en Madrid.Quick check
Which infinitive belongs to the regular -ir family?
Build the stem by removing -ir
vivir loses -ir and leaves viv-. The stem stays the same throughout this regular present-tense pattern.
Vivimos cerca del centro.Match the ending to the subject
Use -o, -es, -e, -imos, -ís, -en for yo through ustedes. The ending carries subject information, which is why a form such as vivo can stand without yo.
Ellos escriben mensajes.Common mistakes
Yo vivir.
Yo vivo.
After yo, use the present ending -o instead of leaving the verb in the infinitive.
Nosotros viven.
Nosotros vivimos.
Nosotros needs the -imos ending with a regular -ir verb.
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Regular -ir verbs FAQ
What are regular Spanish -ir verbs?
They are infinitives ending in -ir that keep the same stem and use the standard present-tense endings.
How do I find the stem of vivir?
Remove -ir. The remaining stem is viv-.
What is the yo form of vivir?
The yo form is vivo.
Do all Spanish -ir verbs follow this pattern?
No. This lesson covers regular verbs. Stem-changing and irregular verbs can use different present-tense forms.