how do you know what tense a verb is?

Question

Why are there so many rude disrespectful people on this website? I wish it would stop. All i want is my question answered without the smart talk.No its not homework, i know you cant answer homework questions.

Answer 1

Hi Lexicat,

Welcome to the site.

You can tell what tense the verb is by the way it is spelled, usually the last letters of the word let you know. That comes from knowledge of the various verb conjugation patterns.

You can look any verb up with our Conjugation Tool

¡Buenas suerte!

Answer 2

Once you know what the tenses are, the ending of a verb will tell you what tense that verb is in. For instance, for the verb "hablar", the endings that indicate the tense are Habl(o) is present, habl(é) is preterite, habl(aba) is imperfect, habl(aré) is future, habl(e) is subjunctive.

Sorry if you're having a difficult experience with some of your questions, but such is life. Just keep at it.

Answer 3

I'll answer your first question, "how do you know what tense a verb is?"

I know because I've studied verb conjugation charts and memorized the crap out of them. After studying like this for a good while, I began to recognize the "magic patterns" of conjugating Spanish verbs, both regular and irregular.

There isn't a free lunch when it comes to Spanish Verbs.

Answer 4

was memorizing the charts hard at first? i never understand the regular and irregular verbs. can u reference?

Answer 5

There isn't a free lunch when it comes to Spanish Verbs.

This is definitely the truth. Being able to recognize the various verb tenses is going to take three components: time, study and repetition (accompanied by a fourth component - patiences; lots and lots of patience).

I wish that there were an easier way, but there truly isn't. The conjugation tool that Goyo pointed out is a great tool to use to quickly look up the verb ending for the tense and mood that you are looking for.

When you first get a glimpse of all the tenses in one place it might seem overwhelming and I would suggest that you not try to learn them all at once but instead, attack them systematically. The learn Spanish lessons on this site do just this (teach them systematically) and I would recommend learning them in this way if you are interested in furthering your understanding of the Spanish language. Best of luck in all your endeavors

Answer 6

You asked a very good question, and I think that you got some good replies.

Why are there so many rude disrespectful people on this website? I wish it would stop. All i want is my question answered without the smart talk.No its not homework, i know you cant answer homework questions

I think that if you look through this forum, the people are not rude and disrespectful, it is just that some people when they first arrive here, ask the most stupid questions that only deserve flippant answers.

In your case, you are much smarter than that and that is the reason you got respectful answers.