E to I Stem-changing -IR Verbs Gerunds

In Spanish, some -IR verbs undergo a stem change from E to I in certain conjugations. This article focuses on how these verbs behave when forming gerunds, which are verb forms ending in -ando or -iendo.

Key Points

  1. Stem-changing verbs in the infinitive form have an ‘e’ in the second-to-last syllable.
  2. In conjugations, this ‘e’ changes to ‘i’ in all persons except nosotros.
  3. Unlike E to IE stem-changing verbs, E to I stem-changing verbs maintain the stem change in their gerund form.

Common E to I Stem-changing -IR Verbs

  • Pedir (to ask for)
  • Servir (to serve)
  • Repetir (to repeat)
  • Seguir (to follow, to continue)
  • Vestir (to dress)

Gerund Formation

To form the gerund of these verbs:

  1. Remove the -IR ending
  2. Change the ‘e’ in the stem to ‘i’
  3. Add -IENDO

Examples

  1. Pedir (to ask for)
    • Infinitive: pedir
    • Gerund: pidiendo
  2. Servir (to serve)
    • Infinitive: servir
    • Gerund: sirviendo
  3. Repetir (to repeat)
    • Infinitive: repetir
    • Gerund: repitiendo

Usage in Sentences

  1. Estoy pidiendo un aumento de sueldo. (I am asking for a raise.)
  2. Los camareros están sirviendo la cena. (The waiters are serving dinner.)
  3. El profesor sigue repitiendo las instrucciones. (The teacher keeps repeating the instructions.)

Comparison with E to IE Stem-changing Verbs

Unlike E to IE stem-changing verbs (like “mentir” → “mintiendo”), E to I stem-changing verbs maintain their stem change in the gerund form. This is an important distinction to remember.

Conclusion

E to I stem-changing -IR verbs maintain their stem change when forming gerunds. This rule is consistent with their behavior in other conjugations, making it somewhat easier to remember compared to E to IE stem-changing verbs.

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