STEM-CHANGING VERBS E-IE O-UE
PROFESSOR ¡Buenos días!
NARRATOR Stem-changing verbs: e to ie and o to ue.
PROFESSOR We are now going to learn about stem-changing verbs, which deviate from the normal pattern
of regular verbs.
PROFESSOR In stem-changing verbs, the stressed vowel of the stem changes when the verb is conjugated.
PROFESSOR Note how the verbs empezar and volver are conjugated. From the infinitive you derive the stem.
Then the stressed vowel of the stem changes from e to ie and from o to ue. Then you add the endings.
PROFESSOR In verbs like empezar (to begin), the stem vowel changes from e to ie. Here are the forms of
empezar. Repeat after me: Empiezo, empiezas, empieza, empezamos, empezáis, empiezan
PROFESSOR Note that the nosotros and vosotros forms do not have a stem change.
PROFESSOR An easy way to remember the conjugation pattern of e to ie stem-changing verbs, is to observe
that the outline of the verb forms which have a stem change form the shape of a boot.
PROFESSOR In verbs like volver (to return), the stem vowel changes from o to ue. Here are the forms of
volver. Repeat after me: Vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve, volvemos, volvéis, vuelven
PROFESSOR Just like empezar, the nosotros and vosotros forms do not have a stem change.
PROFESSOR You can also easily remember the conjugation pattern of o to ue stem-changing verbs, noting
that the outline of the verb forms which have a stem change form the shape of a boot.
PROFESSOR Here are some examples of common stem-changing verbs: Cerrar, comenzar, entender, pensar,
querer, almorzar, contar, dormer, encontrar, poder.
PROFESSOR These are just a few examples of stem-changing verbs. Now let’s point out a few special issues
regarding stem-changing verbs.
PROFESSOR The verb jugar (to play a sport or game) is the only Spanish verb that has a u to ue stem change.
PROFESSOR Note the following example. Alex y el joven juegan al fútbol.
PROFESSOR Jugar is followed by the preposition a + definite article when the name of a sport or game
is mentioned.
PROFESSOR Comenzar and empezar require the preposition a when followed by an infinitive. Note these
examples: Comienzan a jugar a las siete. Ana empieza a escribir una postal.
PROFESSOR Pensar + infinitive means to plan or to intend to do something. For example: ¿Piensan ir al
gimnasio? Pensar en means to think about someone or something. For example: ¿En qué piensas?
PROFESSOR Bueno eso es todo por hoy. Adiós.
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