
In this guide, you’ll learn how to conjugate regular **AR, ER, and IR verbs** in both the present and preterite (past) tenses, focusing on predictable patterns.

![Spanish Conjugation](/assets/blog/conjugating-ar-er-ir-verbs-spanish-present-preterite/og-image.png)

## Table of contents

## Understanding regular verb conjugations in Spanish

Regular verbs follow predictable patterns, which makes them easier to conjugate once you learn the rules. The main three types of verbs in Spanish end in **-AR**, **-ER**, and **-IR**. Irregular verbs, on the other hand, do not follow these patterns, which we'll touch on later.

## Present tense conjugation for AR, ER, and IR verbs

To start, let’s review how to conjugate regular AR, ER, and IR verbs in the present tense.

### Conjugation chart for -AR verbs, like hablar

| Subject                 | Hablar (to speak) |
| ----------------------- | ----------------- |
| Yo                      | Habl**o**         |
| Tú                      | Habl**as**        |
| Él / Ella / Usted       | Habl**a**         |
| Nosotros/as             | Habl**amos**      |
| Vosotros/as             | Habl**áis**       |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | Habl**an**        |

[Practice conjugating hablar](https://espanido.com/rules/conjugation-hablar/exercise) to reinforce your understanding of AR verbs.

### Conjugation chart for -ER verbs, like comer

| Subject                 | Comer (to eat) |
| ----------------------- | -------------- |
| Yo                      | Com**o**       |
| Tú                      | Com**es**      |
| Él / Ella / Usted       | Com**e**       |
| Nosotros/as             | Com**emos**    |
| Vosotros/as             | Com**éis**     |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | Com**en**      |

[Practice conjugating comer](https://espanido.com/rules/conjugation-comer/exercise) with this helpful sentence-building exercise.

### Conjugation chart for -IR verbs, like vivir

| Subject                 | Vivir (to live) |
| ----------------------- | --------------- |
| Yo                      | Viv**o**        |
| Tú                      | Viv**es**       |
| Él / Ella / Usted       | Viv**e**        |
| Nosotros/as             | Viv**imos**     |
| Vosotros/as             | Viv**ís**       |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | Viv**en**       |

[Ready to apply what you’ve learned? Practice conjugating vivir](https://espanido.com/rules/conjugation-vivir/exercise).

## Conjugating verbs in the preterite (past) tense

Now, let’s move on to the preterite tense, which is used to describe actions completed in the past.

### For -AR verbs, like caminar

| Subject                 | Caminar (to walk) |
| ----------------------- | ----------------- |
| Yo                      | Camin**é**        |
| Tú                      | Camin**aste**     |
| Él / Ella / Usted       | Camin**ó**        |
| Nosotros/as             | Camin**amos**     |
| Vosotros/as             | Camin**asteis**   |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | Camin**aron**     |

[Test your knowledge of AR verbs by practicing the conjugation of caminar](https://espanido.com/rules/conjugation-caminar/exercise).

### For -ER and IR verbs, like comer

| Subject                 | Comer (to eat) |
| ----------------------- | -------------- |
| Yo                      | Com**í**       |
| Tú                      | Com**iste**    |
| Él / Ella / Usted       | Com**ió**      |
| Nosotros/as             | Com**imos**    |
| Vosotros/as             | Com**isteis**  |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | Com**ieron**   |

## Differences between present and preterite conjugations

It’s easy to confuse the **present** and **preterite** tenses, especially because some verb forms look similar. Here are a few examples:

- **Present:** Yo _hablo_ español. (I speak Spanish.)
- **Preterite:** Yo _hablé_ español ayer. (I spoke Spanish yesterday.)

## How to master conjugating irregular verbs

Irregular verbs like _traducir_ have conjugations that differ from the regular patterns. For instance, in the preterite tense, _traducir_ becomes:

| Subject                 | Traducir (to translate) |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Yo                      | Tradu**je**             |
| Tú                      | Tradu**jiste**          |
| Él / Ella / Usted       | Tradu**jo**             |
| Nosotros/as             | Tradu**jimos**          |
| Vosotros/as             | Tradu**jisteis**        |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | Tradu**jeron**          |

## Common errors in verb conjugation (and how to avoid them)

- Confusing _usted_ and _tú_ forms. Remember, _usted_ uses the third-person singular form of the verb.
- Mixing up **present** and **preterite** conjugations. Practice using both tenses in full sentences to gain clarity.

## Practice exercises for AR, ER, and IR verbs

Need more practice? Here you can find exercises to [conjugate common verbs in Spanish](https://espanido.com/conjugations). These exercises will help reinforce what you've learned, giving you the chance to apply conjugation rules in a variety of sentences. Consistent practice is key to mastering verb forms.


Spanish verb conjugation: AR, ER, and IR ending verbs


Learning Spanish grammar is more accessible than ever. With the right tools, mastering Spanish grammar becomes much more manageable. In this article, we’ll explore the best-rated Spanish learning software and websites that offer valuable grammar lessons for free.

## Top Free Apps to Learn Spanish Grammar

When it comes to Spanish grammar, finding the right app can make all the difference. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best apps for free that cater specifically to grammar improvement.

### 1. Espanido – The Best Choice for Grammar

If you’re looking for a powerful tool that focuses heavily on Spanish grammar, look no further than Espanido ([Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/espanido-learn-spanish/id6511248352)/[Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.espanido)). Espanido offers sentence-building exercises that help users practice grammar in real contexts, rather than just filling in the blanks. This method allows learners to develop real language skills by constructing full sentences, ultimately helping with communication.

![Espanido](/og-image.png)

This app stands out for its emphasis on grammar, making it one of the best-rated Spanish learning software available today. While the app offers free access to limited exercises, using the promo code **ESPANIDOFREE** give you access to one month of premium access for free.

### 2. Duolingo – Popular but Limited in Grammar

Duolingo, also known as "Duo," is a popular option for learning Spanish vocabulary. However, while its gamified approach is enjoyable, its grammar instruction is less structured compared to other apps. That said, it remains one of the most widely used apps in Spanish language learning, offering basic grammar lessons that can complement other tools.

### 3. SpanishDict – A Comprehensive Grammar Tool

SpanishDict is a well-known resource for its grammar exercises, translations, and vocabulary-building features. The app includes detailed explanations of grammar rules, along with exercises to reinforce these concepts. It’s a great option for learners seeking a balance between vocabulary and grammar practice, making it a great addition to any learning toolkit.

## Best Websites for Spanish Grammar Practice

Websites are another great avenue for practicing Spanish grammar, often offering more detailed lessons or practice tests than apps. Here are some of the top websites to consider.

### 1. Espanido.com

Just like its app, [Espanido’s website](https://espanido.com) provides a treasure trove of grammar resources. With free grammar exercises, Espanido is a reliable tool for anyone looking to sharpen their grammar skills through practical exercises and sentence-building activities. The website offers both beginner and intermediate exercises, making it ideal for learners at various levels.

### 2. 123TeachMe

[123TeachMe](https://www.123teachme.com) is a comprehensive resource for Spanish learners, offering everything from basic grammar lessons to in-depth quizzes and exercises. The website is free to use and provides a variety of grammar activities that can be customized for different levels of proficiency.

### 3. ProfeDeELE

[ProfeDeELE](https://www.profedeele.es) is a popular resource among educators for its wide range of grammar exercises, videos, and quizzes that focus specifically on grammar practice. It’s especially useful for teachers who want to integrate Spanish grammar lessons into their classrooms without the need for textbooks.

For additional resources to improve Spanish skills, [ALR's Website](https://www.alllanguageresources.com/how-to-learn-spanish/) provides [detailed reviews](https://www.alllanguageresources.com/espanido/) on numerous apps and websites that help with language learning.

## How to Choose the Right Spanish Grammar App or Website for Your Students

Selecting the best resources for learning Spanish grammar can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance fun, usability, and effectiveness. Here are a few tips for educators and learners alike:

- **Look for Grammar-Focused Platforms:** Some apps and websites are designed specifically to help users improve grammar through a variety of approaches. For example, SpanishDict offers detailed grammar explanations paired with exercises, while Espanido focuses on sentence-building exercises that integrate grammar into practical language use. On the other hand, platforms like Duolingo and Memrise are more centered around vocabulary acquisition and conversational phrases, which can complement grammar studies but might not provide as much focus on grammar rules.

- **Test the Waters:** Encourage students to try a few different apps or websites to find the one that resonates with their learning style. Some students might prefer the gamified nature of Duolingo, while others might need more detailed grammar breakdowns and the structured sentence practice offered by Espanido.

- **Track Progress:** A great benefit of using online platforms is their ability to track progress. Apps like SpanishDict and Espanido allow learners to monitor their performance and identify areas for improvement. This makes it easier to spot weak points in grammar knowledge and focus on reinforcing those skills.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many high-quality, free resources available to help learners master Spanish grammar. Whether you’re an educator recommending tools to your students or a learner looking to improve your grammar, apps like Espanido and websites like 123TeachMe offer valuable, accessible grammar lessons. Free resources are a fantastic way to practice Spanish grammar without committing to a paid program.

For those looking to enhance their students’ grammar skills, try incorporating these resources into your curriculum and see how they can complement classroom instruction. And for learners, take advantage of these tools to boost your grammar skills and feel more confident when speaking or writing in Spanish.

Now that you have an overview of the best free Spanish grammar apps and websites, it’s time to explore them for yourself! And, for more detailed reviews of learning platforms, check out this detailed review that explores how Espanido excels in teaching sentence structure.


How to Learn Spanish Grammar for Free: Best Websites and Apps


In this guide, we will explain six key tenses using simple example sentences, each one showing how the tense changes with the same sentence. This approach will make it easier to comprehend and remember how each tense is formed and used. By the end, you’ll have a clear overview of when to use each tense and how to practice them effectively.

---

![Guide to Spanish Tenses From Present to Future with Examples](/assets/blog/guide-spanish-tenses-present-future-examples/og-image.png)

## When to use and form each tense

### Present Tense / Tiempo Presente

Used to describe actions that happen regularly, are happening now, or general truths  
 To form: Conjugate the verb by removing the infinitive ending (-ar, -er, -ir) and adding the appropriate present tense endings  
 Learn more about the [Present Tense rule](https://espanido.com/rules/presente-de-indicativo)

### Preterite Tense / Tiempo Pretérito

Used for completed actions in the past  
 To form: Remove the infinitive ending and add the preterite endings specific to -ar, -er, and -ir verbs  
 Explore the [Preterite Tense rule](https://espanido.com/rules/preterito-indefinido) and practice with [Preterite exercises](https://espanido.com/rules/preterito-indefinido/exercise)

### Imperfect Tense / Tiempo Imperfecto

Describes habitual or ongoing past actions  
 To form: Drop the infinitive ending and add imperfect endings for -ar, -er, and -ir verbs  
 Discover more about the [Imperfect Tense rule](https://espanido.com/rules/imperfecto-de-indicativo)

### Present Subjunctive / Presente Subjuntivo

Expresses desires, doubts, uncertainty, or hypothetical situations  
 To form: Start with the present indicative "yo" form, drop the "o," and add the opposite vowel endings (-ar verbs take -e endings, -er/-ir take -a endings)  
 Learn more about the [Present Subjunctive rule](https://espanido.com/rules/subjuntivo-presente)

### Past Participle / Participio Pasado

Used in perfect tenses and as an adjective  
 To form: Remove the verb ending and add -ado for -ar verbs and -ido for -er/-ir verbs  
 Check out more about the [Past Participle rule](https://espanido.com/rules/preterito-pluscuamperfecto) and practice with [Past Participle exercises](https://espanido.com/rules/preterito-pluscuamperfecto/exercise)

### Future Tense / Tiempo Futuro

Describes actions that will happen in the future  
 To form: Keep the entire infinitive and add future tense endings  
 Learn more about the [Future Tense rule](https://espanido.com/rules/futuro-simple) and practice with [Future Tense exercises](https://espanido.com/rules/futuro-simple/exercise)

---

Now that we've covered the basics of when to use each tense, let's look at how the same sentence changes across these six tenses. This will give you a clearer understanding of how Spanish verbs are conjugated and used in context. Below, each sentence is shown in all six tenses for easy comparison.

---

#### I eat an apple / Yo como una manzana

| Tense               | English                 | Spanish                          |
| ------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Present             | I eat an apple          | Yo com**o** una manzana          |
| Preterite           | I ate an apple          | Yo com**í** una manzana          |
| Imperfect           | I used to eat an apple  | Yo com**ía** una manzana         |
| Present Subjunctive | I hope you eat an apple | Espero que com**as** una manzana |
| Past Participle     | I have eaten an apple   | Yo he com**ido** una manzana     |
| Future              | I will eat an apple     | Yo comer**é** una manzana        |

---

#### You drive a car / Tú conduces un coche

| Tense               | English                 | Spanish                           |
| ------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Present             | You drive a car         | Tú conduc**es** un coche          |
| Preterite           | You drove a car         | Tú conduj**iste** un coche        |
| Imperfect           | You used to drive a car | Tú conduc**ías** un coche         |
| Present Subjunctive | I hope you drive a car  | Espero que conduzc**as** un coche |
| Past Participle     | You have driven a car   | Tú has conduc**ido** un coche     |
| Future              | You will drive a car    | Tú conducir**ás** un coche        |

---

#### He drinks coffee / Él bebe un café

| Tense               | English                  | Spanish                   |
| ------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------- |
| Present             | He drinks coffee         | Él beb**e** un café       |
| Preterite           | He drank coffee          | Él beb**ió** un café      |
| Imperfect           | He used to drink coffee  | Él beb**ía** un café      |
| Present Subjunctive | I doubt he drinks coffee | Dudo que beb**a** un café |
| Past Participle     | He has drunk coffee      | Él ha beb**ido** un café  |
| Future              | He will drink coffee     | Él beber**á** un café     |

---

#### We live in Spain / Nosotros vivimos en España

| Tense               | English                  | Spanish                             |
| ------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------- |
| Present             | We live in Spain         | Nosotros viv**imos** en España      |
| Preterite           | We lived in Spain        | Nosotros viv**imos** en España      |
| Imperfect           | We used to live in Spain | Nosotros viv**íamos** en España     |
| Present Subjunctive | I hope we live in Spain  | Espero que viv**amos** en España    |
| Past Participle     | We have lived in Spain   | Nosotros hemos viv**ido** en España |
| Future              | We will live in Spain    | Nosotros vivir**emos** en España    |

---

#### They run on the track / Ellos corren en la pista

| Tense               | English                       | Spanish                           |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Present             | They run on the track         | Ellos corr**en** en la pista      |
| Preterite           | They ran on the track         | Ellos corr**ieron** en la pista   |
| Imperfect           | They used to run on the track | Ellos corr**ían** en la pista     |
| Present Subjunctive | I hope they run on the track  | Espero que corr**an** en la pista |
| Past Participle     | They have run on the track    | Ellos han corr**ido** en la pista |
| Future              | They will run on the track    | Ellos correr**án** en la pista    |

---

#### You (formal) buy groceries / Usted compra víveres

| Tense               | English                            | Spanish                                 |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Present             | You (formal) buy groceries         | Usted compr**a** víveres                |
| Preterite           | You (formal) bought groceries      | Usted compr**ó** víveres                |
| Imperfect           | You (formal) used to buy groceries | Usted compr**aba** víveres              |
| Present Subjunctive | I recommend you buy groceries      | Recomiendo que usted compr**e** víveres |
| Past Participle     | You (formal) have bought groceries | Usted ha compr**ado** víveres           |
| Future              | You (formal) will buy groceries    | Usted comprar**á** víveres              |

---

## Conclusion

By understanding the different Spanish tenses and seeing how they affect the same sentence, you'll have a clearer grasp of how verb conjugations work. These six tenses are foundational to speaking Spanish fluently and confidently. Be sure to follow the links for in-depth explanations of each tense and practice exercises to solidify your learning!
