How to Learn Irregular Spanish Verbs the Fastest Way Possible
Irregular verbs are those that do not follow the regular and consistent patterns of conjugation into the different tenses, voices, and persons. Persons interested in learning languages can find them in any lingo, including English and Spanish.
In the study of the Spanish language, the irregular verbs are a constant source of frustration and delays in learning for beginners. Regular verb conjugation patterns are already hard enough to memorize, but irregular verbs have more than 50 ways of conjugations that perplex and confuse a person who is only starting to learn the language.
Let us take a closer look at Spanish irregular verbs.
Examples of Irregular Verbs
One example of an irregular verb is acertar (to assert). To conjugate it to simple present tense, the singular form would become yo acierto, while the plural becomes nosotros acertamos. It even follows another pattern to conjugate to its other forms.
The thought that acertar transformed into acierto would be a source of confusion by the beginner. Normally, a beginner would be quick to assume that acertar would become acerto under the regular verb conjugation pattern for the simple present tense. Add to that, is that there is no way one can see that a verb is irregular just by looking at its infinitive form.
Tips to learning Irregular Verbs as Quickly as Possible
- At first glance, learning irregular verbs is difficult especially when you have limited vocabulary. However, with regular study and practice, you’ll find that irregular verbs are the verbs that are most commonly used in everyday conversations in Spanish.
- Frequent study does wonders. A flashcard of these verbs could come in handy in your practice. It is suggested that you write these verbs’ root forms in one side, and their conjugations on the other. You do not have to study them for lengthy periods as this may cause cramming, but it is essential to study them consistently. For example, you could use these cards to study for a while if you don’t have anything to do.
- Pay careful attention to the spelling and pronunciation of some words, as sometimes it is only in spelling that a verb becomes irregular in its conjugation.
Remember that irregular verbs follow patterns too, only that they are different from the patterns followed in conjugating regular verbs. Here are some notable examples of these patterns:
- First person singular verbs that have the letter ‘g’ are changed to j. For example, escoger (to choose) becomes escojo in the first person singular present.
Some irregular verbs are conjugated to their third person singular present forms by changing the vowel e to ie. Example is negar (to deny), which becomes niega (he denies).
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