Core Spanish Verb Grammar: Forms, Moods, Tenses, and Voice

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What is conjugation?

Conjugation is the changing of a verb's form to express features such as person, number, tense, or mood.

What does pro-drop mean?

A pro-drop language often allows subject pronouns to be omitted because the verb form or context identifies the subject.

How does usted affect verb agreement?

Although usted means formal singular you, it takes third-person singular verb forms, as in *usted es*.

When is vos used?

Vos is a familiar singular form of you used in some regions, especially in parts of Hispanic America.

What do nosotros and nosotras mean?

Both mean we. Nosotras refers to an entirely feminine group; nosotros is used for a masculine or mixed group.

Quiz questions

1. When is the Spanish subjunctive commonly used in a subordinate clause?Answer: To express wishes, doubts, emotions, or possibilities.
2. How is a common Spanish true passive construction formed?Answer: With *ser* and a past participle that agrees with the subject.
3. Where does an object pronoun go in an affirmative Spanish command?Answer: Attached to the end of the verb.
4. What present-tense pattern identifies many Spanish go verbs?Answer: Their first-person singular form ends in *-go*.
5. What does the Spanish imperfect generally emphasize about a past event?Answer: Its ongoing, habitual, or background nature.