Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Verbos con cambio de ra�z
Verbos con cambio de ra�z
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the stem (raíz) and ending (terminación) of a Spanish verb.
Categorize stem-changing verbs into the three main patterns: e → ie, o → ue, and e → i.
Correctly conjugate regular stem-changing verbs in the present indicative tense, applying the 'boot' rule.
Conjugate stem-changing -ar and -er verbs in the present subjunctive mood.
Conjugate stem-changing -ir verbs in the present subjunctive mood, including the unique changes in the nosotros/vosotros forms.
Construct complex sentences using stem-changing verbs in both the indicative and subjunctive moods to express wishes, doubts, and emotions.
Have you ever noticed that you 'piensas' (think) but 'nosotros pensamos' (we think)? What happens to that extra 'i'?...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Infinitivo (Infinitive)The basic, unconjugated form of a verb, ending in -ar, -er, or -ir.querer, poder, pedir
Raíz (Stem)The part of the verb that is left after removing the -ar, -er, or -ir ending. The stem carries the core meaning of the verb.In 'querer', the stem is 'quer-'. In 'poder', the stem is 'pod-'.
Cambio de Raíz (Stem Change)A predictable vowel change that occurs in the stem of certain verbs when they are conjugated in specific tenses and forms.In the verb 'querer', the stem 'quer-' changes to 'quier-' in some forms (e.g., 'yo quiero').
La Bota (The Boot)A visual memory tool. If you draw a boot shape around a conjugation chart, it covers all the forms that have a stem change...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
Pattern 1: e → ie
The vowel 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' for all conjugations inside 'the boot'.
Applies to verbs like 'querer' (to want), 'pensar' (to think), 'entender' (to understand), and 'cerrar' (to close). For example: Yo pienso, tú piensas, él piensa, nosotros pensamos, vosotros pensáis, ellos piensan.
Pattern 2: o → ue
The vowel 'o' in the stem changes to 'ue' for all conjugations inside 'the boot'.
Applies to verbs like 'poder' (to be able to), 'dormir' (to sleep), 'encontrar' (to find), and 'costar' (to cost). For example: Yo puedo, tú puedes, él puede, nosotros podemos, vosotros podéis, ellos pueden.
Pattern 3: e → i...
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Challenging
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the verb 'mentir' (e → ie) to express doubt for 'nosotros'.
A.No creo que nosotros mentimos sobre el examen.
B.No creo que nosotros mintamos sobre el examen.
C.No creo que nosotros mientamos sobre el examen.
D.No creo que nosotros mentamos sobre el examen.
Challenging
Which rule best explains the difference between 'que nosotros encontremos' (from encontrar, o→ue) and 'que nosotros sintamos' (from sentir, e→ie)?
A.Both verbs follow the 'boot' rule in the subjunctive, so there is no difference in the rule.
B.In the subjunctive, -ar verbs like 'encontrar' do not change in the 'nosotros' form, while -ir verbs like 'sentir' do (e→i).
C.In the subjunctive, all stem-changing verbs change in all forms, including 'nosotros'.
D.In the subjunctive, 'nosotros' forms always change the stem vowel to 'i' or 'u', regardless of the verb's ending.
Challenging
Which option correctly combines the fragments to form a logical sentence? (Es urgente que / la película / a tiempo / empezar e→ie)
A.Es urgente que la película empieza a tiempo.
B.Es urgente que la película empeza a tiempo.
C.Es urgente que la película empece a tiempo.
D.Es urgente que la película empiece a tiempo.
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