Level A2Verbs & TensesGramática 9.1.1

Stem-changing present

e→ie, o→ue, e→i

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e→ie, o→ue, e→i

Some present verbs change the stem in all forms except nosotros/vosotros: pensar → pienso, poder → puedo, pedir → pide.

Notice the contrast:pensar / piensopodemos / puede

Examples in context

Read the examples and compare their English meanings.

Thoughts and Opinions

Change 'e' to 'ie' in yo form.

Yo pienso que es una buena idea.

I think that it is a good idea.

Abilities and Capacities

Change 'o' to 'ue' in yo form.

No puedo venir a la fiesta hoy.

I cannot come to the party today.

Making Requests

Change 'e' to 'i' for she.

Ella pide un café con leche.

She asks for a latte.

Common mix-ups

Compare: Nosotros piensamos que sí.Use here: Nosotros pensamos que sí.

Pensar keeps e in the present-tense nosotros and vosotros forms: pensamos, pensáis.

We think so.

Try a reply

Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.

She sleeps here, but we sleep at home.

Show one possible answer

Ella duerme aquí, pero nosotros dormimos en casa.

Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.

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