What is a radical changing verb?

When we conjugate a radical changing verb, both the stem and the ending change, as opposed to just the ending changing as it does for 'normal' verbs.

The stems change for the 'I', 'you', 'he/she/it' and 'they' forms, however the 'we' and 'you (plural)' forms conjugate as expected.  Due to this pattern they are sometimes known as '1, 2, 3, 6 verbs'.

There are three groups of radical changing or stem changing verbs : o -> ue, e -> ie and e -> i (for example cerrar meaning to close conjugates as cierro, cierras, cierra, cerramos, cerráis, cierran).

EM
Answered by Elle M. Spanish tutor

4859 Views

See similar Spanish 13 Plus tutors

Related Spanish 13 Plus answers

All answers ▸

Which are the differences in the grammatical formation between the passive and the active voice in Spanish?


What is the difference between the verbs "ser" and "estar"?


How do you conjugate the verb "comer" in the present tense?


How do you conjugate the verb "vivid" in the present tense?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences