Grammar - Stem Changing Verbs

There are three different types of stem changing verbs in Spanish:

The stem changes for all conjugations, excepting nosotros/as and vosotros/as. The endings are the same as for regular verbs (-o for yo, -as/-es for tú, ...).

Example: entender (e->ie) to understand

Note that the stem change is done for the second 'e' (not the first one) - in general the stem always changes for the last vowel before the -ar/-er/-ir ending.

Example: pedir (e->i) to ask for, to order

Note: all e->i stem changing verbs are -ir verbs.

Example: dormir (o->ue) to sleep

Here is a list of some other common stem changing verbs:

Exercise: Spanish Exercise Stem Changing Verbs

Grammar - Present Participle

The Spanish present participle corresponds to the English -ing form of the verb. To form the present participle for regular -ar verbs, add -ando to the stem. For -er and -ir verbs add -iendo:

Here is a list of some common verbs that have an irregular present participle:

Grammar - Present Progressive

Like in English, the Spanish present progressive is used to describe an action in progress. It is formed by conjugating the verb estar and then adding the present participle:

Exercise: Spanish Exercise Present Progressive

Vocabulary - The Family