Did you know over 442 million people speak Spanish as their native language? It’s the second most used language globally and for this reason, many try to learn it.

However, learning a language may prove too steep a challenge for many. Some common issues include struggling with grammar or stumbling in finding which verb tense is appropriate.

Verb conjugations are among the most challenging aspects of learning Spanish–keep in mind there are 18 Spanish verb tenses and moods present in the language.

Here are some easy ways you can use to learn your verbs and put Spanish verb conjugation rules into practice.

1. Have a Grammar Book in Hand

Every course of language study is aided by a book in hand.

Good textbooks contain the grammatical rules that you need to understand, along with explanations of when and how to use them. In case you have some questions on certain parts of the language, you can use this as your reference point while memorizing them.

Familiarize yourself with the conjugation rules as much as possible using the tools in your book. In case you have a problem with taking note of them, refer to the book for how these rules work. While studying them is a dedicated route, a book is an excellent quick reference for how verb conjugations work in a conversation.

2. Find Ways to Commit the Rules into Memory

Find ways to commit the conjugation rules into memory. The good news is that some study methods are great for this purpose. Here are some pointers to help you commit your verb conjugation rules to memory:

2.1. Flash Cards

Using index cards for quick memorization is a long-tested tactic and good basis for review. Put in each verb ending and conjugation in separate index cards to help you learn to associate the rules. With a number of repetitions, the cards will help you become familiar with your verbs and conjugations.

This method works well with visual learners and also as a guide for auditory learners if they speak the words orally while reviewing them on the index card.

2.2. Record the Lecture

This is another great way to help you memorize and study.

If you’re taking notes on a lecture the first time around and miss something, a recording of the lecture is an easy way to revisit the important points. This is also super helpful for auditory learners who need to hear information to process it.

Our very own, the creator/founder of Gritty Spanish, Eldon Mirjah took it a bit further and spoke about recording himself singing in an effort to improve his Spanish.

2.3. Connect and Link Method

This method allows you to associate certain words with objects for easier memorization. By linking and connecting them, it can help you remember the pointers.

There are various methods of association that you can use in remember the rules for verb conjugations, so find one that suits your style to help you recall each one.

2.4. Take Note of the Chart and Repeat

Just like the flash card method, having a copy of the verb conjugation chart can also help you as a reference point and as a material for memorization. Familiarizing with it visually by color-coding them would work for visual learners as it helps with associating the conjugation with a specific ending.

For auditory learners, a means of practicing them by recitation also works. After a few cycles and repetitions, it can work out as an exercise. You can be creative with this as if going with a rhyming flow or a rap to help you remember.

Take a peek at this great video talking about “Practicing Spanish conjugations” using some of the basics.

3. Practice Spanish Verb Conjugation Rules with Someone Fluent

Speaking with someone fluent will immensely help you in Spanish verb practice and memorizing the Spanish conjugation charts.

A fluent speaker can point out to you how these rules would work in a real conversation and how to apply them, and then have a conversation with you in real time.

By talking with someone fluent in Spanish, it helps you practice the language on a level that is out of the pages of the grammar book. It lets you familiarize how these words would sound like in a conversation and help you understand the language by instinct. It lets you exercise and associate the rules easily.

And when you commit errors, like mixing Spanish verb endings, no worries–a fluent or native speaker can point it out to you.

Take note of these corrections and remember when and why you should use them. Learning the language can take time, so practice and familiarize with it. And meet with your native speaker as often as you can–practice makes perfect.

The following video doesn’t have anything to do with Spanish conjugation, but it shows how fun and hilarious it can be when you have a native that is patient and willing to be your teacher.

4. Read and Listen a Lot

This is another way to familiarize and observe how the language sounds like, aside from conversing (which also goes hand in hand with this).

Read through a lot of books and observe how the language uses these rules. Try to read them aloud so you would know how they may sound like, giving you an impression of the way it behaves. Visually, it also helps you in finding out how the sentence would look like with the rules in mind.

Listening by watching Spanish films and videos, as well as listening through audio clips can help you take note of how real people would use the language. Notice their usage and familiarize with them.

Music is also an interesting tool to use. Familiar words would surface while in a catchy and rhythmic tune, noting the inflections and diction. Like with movies, videos, and audio clips, music adds a bit of flavor as it gets you to remember words while going about your day without getting bored.

Or you can utilize these audio stories to help with your comprehension of Spanish. With engaging dialogues and dramatic stories, you will find it both entertaining and educational.

Improve Your Spanish Skills Today!

Memorizing and learning these Spanish verb conjunctions may seem confusing and harrowing.

However, what you need to get past these is through practice and application. While reading and studying make it feel impossible, applying them in conversation should help you get a good grasp of each word.

Don’t hesitate, learn and practice as much as you can. While there are no shortcuts, these methods should make it easy for you to be familiar with Spanish verb conjugation rules.

Interested in learning and sharpening your Spanish skills? You can learn Spanish in a fun and easy manner that takes it to you straight. To find out more about this, feel free to contact us now.