Stem-changing verbs deviate from the
normal pattern of regular verbs. In stem-changing
verbs, the stressed vowel of the stem changes when
the verb is conjugated.
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4.2-1

In many verbs, such as empezar (to begin), the stem vowel
changes from e to ie. Note that the nosotros/as and
vosotros/as forms don’t have a stem change.
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4.2-2

In many other verbs, such as volver
(to return), the stem vowel changes from
o to ue. The nosotros/as and vosotros/as
forms have no stem change.
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4.2-3

To help you identify stem-changing verbs, they
will appear as follows throughout the text:
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4.2-4
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4.2-5

Jugar (to play a sport or game), is the only
Spanish verb that has a u:ue stem change.
Jugar is followed by a + [definite article] when
the name of a sport or game is mentioned.
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4.2-6

Comenzar and empezar require the
preposition a when they are followed by an
infinitive.
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4.2-7

Pensar + [infinitive] means to plan or to intend
to do something. Pensar en means to think
about someone or something.
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4.2-8
Provide the present tense forms of these verbs. The first
item in each column has been done for you.
cerrar (e:ie)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
cierran
Ustedes ________.
Tú ____.
Nosotras ____.
Mi hermano ____.
Yo ____.
Usted ____.
Los chicos ____.
Ella ____.
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dormir (o:ue)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
duerme
Mi abuela no _________.
Yo no ____.
Tú no ____.
Mis hijos no ____.
Usted no ____.
Nosotros no ____.
Él no ____.
Ustedes no ____.
4.2-9
Soles
Diablos
1. P. 131 Ej. 1 - Write correct
form of verb.
2. P. 131 Ej. 2 – Just write one
sentence telling which activity
you prefer.
Ex. Prefiero estudiar.
3. P. 131 Ej. 3 Write one
sentence telling what the
subjects in the pictures are
doing.
P. 132 – Ej. 4 Write the chart and
write sentences in each indicating
the frequency that you do the
activities listed in the word bank.
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P. 132 Ej. 5 Write a dialogue with
your partner arguing over what
you want to watch on TV
according to the listings provided.
At least 6 lines each person.
4.2-10