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Spanish (Spain) • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

present: uyo

💡 Grammar Rule

Present Tense of Verbs Ending in -uir

In Spanish, verbs ending in -uir (such as incluir or construir) undergo a specific spelling change in the present tense. This change helps maintain a smooth pronunciation. Note that this rule does not apply to verbs ending in -guir (like seguir).

The Pattern: Inserting a 'Y'

For these verbs, you must insert the letter y right after the u in the stem. This change happens in all forms except for nosotros (we) and vosotros (you all).

Why does this happen? The added y prevents three vowels from appearing together in a way that would be difficult to pronounce, ensuring a natural flow.

Model Conjugation: Incluir (To include)

  • Yo incluyo (I include) — The 'y' is added.
  • Tú incluyes (You include) — The 'y' is added.
  • Él/Ella/Usted incluye (He/She/You include) — The 'y' is added.
  • Nosotros/as incluimos (We include) — Regular (no 'y').
  • Vosotros/as incluís (You all include) — Regular (no 'y').
  • Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes incluyen (They/You all include) — The 'y' is added.

Common Verbs Following This Pattern

Many useful verbs follow this exact rule. Here are some examples:

  • Construir (to build): Ellos construyen una casa. (They are building a house.)
  • Destruir (to destroy): El fuego destruye el bosque. (The fire destroys the forest.)
  • Huir (to flee/run away): El ladrón huye de la policía. (The thief flees from the police.)
  • Contribuir (to contribute): Yo contribuyo al proyecto. (I contribute to the project.)
  • Influir (to influence): El clima influye en mi humor. (The weather influences my mood.)
  • Sustituir (to substitute): Ella sustituye al profesor. (She substitutes for the teacher.)
Does the price include dinner?
¿El precio incluye la cena?
No, it only includes breakfast.
No, solo incluye el desayuno.
Do you include your brother in the plans?
¿Incluyes a tu hermano en los planes?
Yes, I always include him.
Sí, siempre lo incluyo.
We are distributing the books now.
Nosotros distribuimos los libros ahora.
Okay, I’m distributing the pens.
Vale, yo distribuyo los bolígrafos.
Who substitutes for the teacher today?
¿Quién sustituye a la profesora hoy?
I substitute for her because she is sick.
La sustituyo yo porque está enferma.
Look, the thief is running away!
¡Mira, el ladrón huye!
Let’s call the police right now.
Vamos a llamar a la policía ahora mismo.
How does the story conclude?
¿Cómo concluye la historia?
It concludes with a happy ending.
Concluye con un final feliz.
Are you guys building a house?
¿Vosotros construís una casa?
No, the workers build the house.
No, los obreros construyen la casa.
They contribute money every month.
Ellos contribuyen con dinero cada mes.
That is very generous of them.
Es muy generoso por su parte.
My dog destroys all his toys.
Mi perro destruye todos sus juguetes.
You have to buy stronger toys.
Tienes que comprar juguetes más fuertes.

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