Identify

• There are three classes of verbs: [-AR], [-ER], [-IR].
• Know what is acting or being acted upon.

Connect

• LEAF Spanish Grammar: Verb Conjugation Basics

60-Second Spanish Grammar Lesson

Study

Infinitive verbs in Spanish will always end with [-AR], [-ER], or [-IR].

Infinitive verbs, in English, always mean to do … (action).
For example: to run, to read, to speak, to live, to eat, to see, to hear, to work, to study …

…

Verb tenses and moods help identify when (timeframe) or how (intent) an action is occurring.

Present tense – Occurring now
Past tense – Occurred in the past (already happened)
Future tense – Will occur in the future.

Each one of tenses or moods have their own verb endings. We can change the timeframe of an action just by replacing the endings on each verb.

When we work with verbs, it’s easiest to start with the Present Indicative tense. This will help us discuss what is happening right now.

…

[-AR] verbs are all infinitive verbs that end with the letters [-AR]. Besides the [-AR] ending, there really is no kind of pattern to why certain verbs are [-AR] verbs.

AYUDAR : To help

CAMINAR : To walk

CANTAR : To sing

COCINAR : To cook

ENSEÑAR : To teach

ESTUDIAR : To study

LLAMAR : To call

NADAR : To swim

TRABAJAR : To work

VIAJAR : To travel

The system of adapting infinitive verbs to different people, places, and things is called verb conjugation.

When we conjugate verbs, we team them up with different Subject Pronouns to attach actions to people, places or things. Like from TO SPEAK to HE SPEAKS.

When we conjugate verbs, we DROP the [-AR] ending, and then reattach a NEW ENDING that lets us know who or what is acting or being acted upon.

Subject Pronoun + New Ending = Correctly Conjugated Verb!

…

Adapt

Si, yo hablo español.
Yes, I speak Spanish.

¿Él habla español?
Does he speak Spanish?

No, él no habla español.
No, he does not speak Spanish.

¿Nosotros estudiamos en la biblioteca?
Are we studying in the library?

No, nosotros estudiamos en el laboratorio.
No, we are studying in the lab.

¿Vosotros viajáis a España este verano?
Are you traveling to Spain this summer?

No, nosotros viajamos a México.
No, we are traveling to Mexico.

¿Ellos cocinan con carne?
Do they cook with meat?

No, ellos cocinan solamente con verduras.
No, they only cook with vegetables.

¿Tú nadas cada día?
Do you swim every day?

Si, yo nado cada día.
Yes, I swim every day.

¿Ellas enseñan inglés a los estudiantes?
Are they (fem.) teaching the students English?

No, ellas enseñan el alemán.
No, they (fem.) are teaching German.

Engage

• LEAF 60-Second Spanish Grammar Lesson Index
• LEAF Spanish Verb Conjugation Chart: [-AR] Verb Endings

Explore

• YouTube/MrLearnSpanish: Present Tense [-AR] Verbs
• YouTube/Speakado: “¿Habla usted español?”
• YouTube/Speakado: “¿Hablas inglés?”
• YouTube/Speakado: “Hablo”

Quizlet Activities – Present Indicative Tense – Verb Conjugation Endings for [-AR] Verbs

• Direct Link: [https://quizlet.com/_8x8ocj]
• Click on the top right-hand corner for Options.
• Click on the bottom right-hand corner to change Study Mode. 

Quizlet Activities – Present Indicative Tense with [-AR] Verbs – Examples

• Direct Link: [https://quizlet.com/_8c4x3c]
• Click on the top right-hand corner for Options.
• Click on the bottom right-hand corner to change Study Mode.