Overview
This lecture explains how to conjugate regular and irregular Spanish verbs that end in -er, with a focus on the present, imperfect, preterite, and future tenses.
Spanish Verb Basics
- Spanish verbs end in -er, -ar, or -ir, each with distinct conjugation rules.
- -Er verbs have the most irregular verbs among the three groups.
- Verb conjugation changes based on who performs the action (person) and when (tense).
- Spanish uses an extra pronoun vosotros (you all/you guys) not found in English.
Regular -er Verb Conjugation
- The infinitive is the base verb ending in -er; remove -er to find the stem.
- Present tense endings: -o, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
- Example: deber (to have to): yo debo, tú debes, él debe, nosotros debemos, vosotros debéis, ellos deben.
- Imperfect tense (habitual past): -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían.
- Preterite tense (completed past): -í, -iste, -ió, -imos, -isteis, -ieron.
- Future tense: add endings to the full infinitive (-eré, -erás, -erá, -eremos, -eréis, -erán).
Irregular -er Verbs
- Many common -er verbs are irregular and do not follow regular patterns.
- Examples include: ser (to be), haber (to have), tener (to have), hacer (to do/make), poder (to be able).
- Irregular verbs require memorization of unique conjugations.
Ser vs. Estar
- Ser is used for permanent characteristics; estar is for temporary states or locations.
- Example ser: Yo soy (I am—permanent), tú eres (you are), él es (he is).
- Example estar: Yo estoy (I am—temporary), él está (he is—location/condition).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Infinitive — The basic form of a verb ending in -er, -ar, or -ir.
- Conjugation — Changing a verb's form to indicate person and tense.
- Stem — The root of the verb after removing the infinitive ending.
- Imperfect Tense — Describes habitual or ongoing actions in the past.
- Preterite Tense — Describes completed actions in the past.
- Irregular Verb — A verb that does not follow the standard conjugation pattern.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize regular -er verb endings for all tenses.
- Practice conjugating common irregular -er verbs, especially ser.
- Review the differences between ser and estar in context.
- Complete any provided verb conjugation exercises.