Stem Changing Verbs

Stem Changing Verbs

How to Conjugate and Use

What is a Stem-Changing Verb?

In Spanish, there are several verbs that have changes in either the root or the stem. There are many different types of stem changes: o to ue, e to ie, and e to i. Right now, we’re focusing on o to ue using poder and dormir as examples.

Multiple Select

To make sure you're paying attention: What is a stem-changing verb?

• A verb that changes its root or stem

• A verb with a different ending than regular verbs

• A verb that changes from o to ue, e to ie, and e to i

• A verb that talks about gardening or planting flowers

The Verb Poder

This is the regular conjugation for the -er verb poder. Poder is also a stem changing verb; the first person, second person, and third person (singular and plural) all change from o to ue.

Multiple Choice

What is the correct conjugation: She can sing very well.

• Ella puedo cantar muy bien.

• Ella puedes cantar muy bien.

• Ella puede cantar muy bien.

• Ella pueden cantar muy bien.

The Verb Dormir

This is the regular conjugation for the -ir verb dormir (to sleep). Like poder, the first, second, and third (singular and plural) person forms have the stem change.

Multiple Choice

What is the correct English translation of the Spanish sentence: Ellos duermen en el salón.

• He sleeps in the living room.

• They sleep in the living room.

• I sleep in the living room.

• You sleep in the living room.

Rules and Examples

• Notice that the nosotros and vosotros forms of each verb DO NOT have a stem change. They still follow the regular conjugation of the verb

• These verbs also have the o to ue stem change: Costar (To cost), Devolver (To return), Encontrar (To find), Llover (to rain), Morir (to die), Recordar (To remember), and Soñar (To dream)

  
  

• The verb Jugar also follows this stem change; the u changes to ue

Multiple Choice

Translate this sentence: We can play soccer tomorrow.

• Vosotros podéis jugar al fútbol mañana.

• Ellos pueden jugar al fútbol mañana.

• Nosotros podemos jugar al fútbol mañana.

• Usted puede jugar al fútbol mañana.

Multiple Choice

Translate this sentence: I don't remember where I put my cellphone.

• Él no recuerda dónde puse mi teléfono celular.

• Nosotros no recordamos dónde puse mi teléfono celular.

• Yo no recuerdo dónde puse mi teléfono celular.

• Ellos recuerdan dónde puse mi teléfono celular.