Ser and Estar

Ser and Estar both means "to be".  Estar has three main uses 1. Progressive 2. Location and 3.  Adjectives to show condition. Ser has a lot of uses, Characteristics being one of them.  Condition is when you will use estar.  I also learned that you have to make sure to watch out for the predicate adjectives and predicate nouns.

Direct Object Pronouns

I learned that direct objects answers the questions of "whom" and "what".  I also learned that when you are using a direct object noun that is referring to a person, you must put an "a" in front.  If it isn't a person then you don't have to put an "a" in front of it.  Also, in Direct Object Pronouns you use me, te, lo, and la in the singular form.  In plural form, you use nos, os, los,  and las.

Saber and Conocer

Saber and Conocer both mean "to know" but they are used in diffent ways.  Saber is used when you are referring to information or to do something.  Conocer is used when you are familiar with a place or you know someone.  Both saber and conocer change when used in irregular singular form.  Saber is Se and Conocer is Conozco.

Stem Changing Verbs

I learned that the stem of a verb is what is left once you take away the -ar, -er, or -ir.  I learned that there are three common types of stem changing verbs.  Those types consist of changing "e" = "ie", "e" = "i", or "o"="ue".  Examples in Yo form would be Comenzar = Comienzo, Medir = Mido, and Dormir = Duermo

Progressive

I learned that Progressive consist of two parts, the helping verb and the present participle.  In Spanish, you replace words ending in -ar with -ando. Words that end in -er and -ir are replaced by -iendo.  If there is a word that has "i" stuck between the two verbs you would change the "i" to "y". The word leer would be changed to leyendo.