Spanish Verbs Made Simple(r) - Hillcrest Elementary

Preface
The fundamental aim of this book is to provide:
(a) easily understood—yet comprehensive—tools to recognize and learn the
patterns that govern the large majority of “irregular” verbs in Spanish; and
(b) clear and systematic illustrations of the use of all of the principal Spanish
verb forms, with particular emphasis placed on the subjunctive.
It is intended for both the relatively new student grappling with the apparent
complexities of Spanish verbs, as well as for the more advanced student seeking
to “perfect” his or her understanding.
The book is divided into three parts, which to a certain extent are independent:
Part I provides a description of the various verb tenses and forms, the emphasis
being on establishing rules for the more than 90 percent of irregular verbs
whose irregularities are entirely “predictable”. Emphasis is also given to the stress
accent patterns of the various forms, which play a critical role in the Spanish verbal
system.
Chapter 8 highlights one of the major differences between the Spanish language
of Spain and that of the Americas, namely the contrasting use of personal
pronouns (and verb forms) corresponding to “you”. Chapter 9 provides an overall
summary of verb forms and presents 35 general models (or classes) into which
all Spanish verbs can be placed.
Part II illustrates the use of the various verb tenses and forms, with particular
emphasis given to the subjunctive and its use in “if . . . then” clauses. Chapter 11
is devoted to the distinctions in use between ser and estar, which many students
find to be the most confusing element of the Spanish verbal system.
Annexes: By reviewing Annex A, the student can become familiar with the
various classes of verb “irregularities” and their unifying features. Complete conjugations
are presented for each of the 35 model verbs, as well as for various subclasses
including those displaying purely orthographic changes. Verb classes are
nested, so that one can easily see that a verb like colgar (sub-class 4B-2) is identical
in form to the basic model mostrar (class 4B), apart from regular orthographic
modifications which are highlighted in the conjugations, and described
in detail in Part I of the text. Mostrar itself is clearly identified as following a very
regular pattern—a vowel change (e.g., muestro) in the 9 conjugations where the
stress accent falls on the initial syllable.