A2 Spanish grammar
Spanish Stem-Changing Verbs: Understand the Present-Tense Patterns
Many common present-tense verbs change the stressed vowel in their stem. The endings remain regular, and nosotros and vosotros normally keep the original vowel.
Present stem-change pattern
change the stressed stem vowel except in nosotros and vosotros
The normal present endings remain; the vowel change appears where the stem is stressed.
E → IE: pensar and querer
| Person | pensar | querer |
|---|---|---|
| yo | pienso | quiero |
| tú | piensas | quieres |
| él / ella / usted | piensa | quiere |
| nosotros | pensamos | queremos |
| vosotros | pensáis | queréis |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | piensan | quieren |
O → UE: poder and volver
| Person | poder | volver |
|---|---|---|
| yo | puedo | vuelvo |
| tú | puedes | vuelves |
| él / ella / usted | puede | vuelve |
| nosotros | podemos | volvemos |
| vosotros | podéis | volvéis |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | pueden | vuelven |
E → I: pedir and servir
| Person | pedir | servir |
|---|---|---|
| yo | pido | sirvo |
| tú | pides | sirves |
| él / ella / usted | pide | sirve |
| nosotros | pedimos | servimos |
| vosotros | pedís | servís |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | piden | sirven |
Nosotros and vosotros keep the original vowel in the present tense.
Spanish stem-changing verbs: Change e to ie in stressed forms
Verbs such as pensar and querer change e to ie except in nosotros and vosotros.
Pienso en mis vacaciones.Quick check
Yo ___ viajar mañana. (pensar)
Change o to ue in stressed forms
Verbs such as poder, volver, and dormir change o to ue in stressed present forms.
¿Puedes ayudarme?Use e to i and protect nosotros forms
Some -ir verbs such as pedir change e to i, while nosotros and vosotros keep e in the present.
Pedimos dos cafés.Common mistakes
Nosotros piensamos mucho.
Nosotros pensamos mucho.
Nosotros keeps the unchanged stem pens-.
Nosotros vuelvemos tarde.
Nosotros volvemos tarde.
Nosotros keeps the original o.
Yo pedo agua.
Yo pido agua.
Pedir changes e to i in the stressed yo form.
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Stem-changing verbs FAQ
What does stem-changing verbs cover?
Many common present-tense verbs change the stressed vowel in their stem. The endings remain regular, and nosotros and vosotros normally keep the original vowel.
What is the first rule to remember?
Verbs such as pensar and querer change e to ie except in nosotros and vosotros.
What is another important A2 pattern?
Verbs such as poder, volver, and dormir change o to ue in stressed present forms.
How can I practise Spanish stem-changing verbs?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.