With Spanish verbs ending in –uar, some ending in –iar, and a few in –ar, the present tense conjugations might sometimes require that the ordinarily weak vowels hold their own with the strong ones. In spelling, such vowels must be denoted with an accent mark. Look at what happens to aislar (to isolate), enviar (to send), and actuar (to act).

Verb Conjugations That Require Additional Accent Marks

Other examples of verbs that require accent marks in present tense conjugations (except, of course, in the nosotros and vosotros forms) are listed in the following table.

Other Verbs That Require Additional Accent Marks

Unfortunately, this rule does not hold up for every –iar verb. The only way to know whether the i is accented is to memorize the exceptions. Look at the following table. Note that for each verb, the i is either accented in all the forms except nosotros and vosotros, or is not accented in any of the present tense conjugations (except of course the accented vosotros ending –áis).

Accent Irregularities in –IAR Verbs

Verb Practice #7

Translate the following sentences using the appropriate verb forms. Use your English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English dictionary to look up words you don't already know. Then, check your answers.

1. I send Christmas cards.

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2. Marcela adopts a kitten.

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3. The story continues for another thirty pages.

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4. Sandra pets the zoo animals.

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5. Adam and Berta study medicine.

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