Sugerir Conjugation: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples and Exercises

Demystifying Sugerir: Conquer this essential irregular Spanish verb with our comprehensive conjugation guide covering all tenses, moods, and examples. From sugiero to sugerirán, master the nuances of suggesting in Spanish with clear explanations, practical examples, and downloadable resources.

Understanding the Verb Sugerir

The verb sugerir translates to “to suggest” in English, implying the act of proposing an idea or course of action. It’s a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Derived from the Latin suggerere (to carry underneath, insinuate), it carries the connotation of subtly introducing an idea. Mastering sugerir is crucial for effective communication in Spanish, particularly in situations involving advice, recommendations, or collaborative decision-making.

Conjugation Tables: Mastering All Tenses and Moods

Sugerir, like some of its -erir verb cousins such as preferir and referir, is irregular, undergoing an e to ie stem change in the present indicative and present subjunctive moods. The tables below provide a comprehensive overview of sugerir’s conjugation across all tenses and moods.

Indicative Mood

The indicative mood describes factual statements and realities. It’s the workhorse of everyday conversation.

Present Indicative

This tense conveys what someone suggests right now. Note the e to ie stem change.

PronounConjugationExample
Yosugiero(Yo sugiero que vayamos al cine.) I suggest we go to the movies.
sugieres(Tú sugieres un buen restaurante.) You suggest a good restaurant.
Él/Ella/Ustedsugiere(Él sugiere que estudiemos juntos.) He suggests we study together.
Nosotrossugerimos(Nosotros sugerimos una nueva estrategia.) We suggest a new strategy.
Vosotrossugerís(Vosotros sugerís una idea interesante.) You all (Spain) suggest an interesting idea.
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedessugieren(Ellos sugieren que pospongamos la reunión.) They suggest that we postpone the meeting.

Preterite Indicative

This tense discusses suggestions made in the past. The stem change disappears in this tense.

PronounConjugationExample
Yosugerí(Yo sugerí ir al museo.) I suggested going to the museum.
sugeriste(Tú sugeriste un cambio de planes.) You suggested a change of plans.
Él/Ella/Ustedsugirió(Ella sugirió un buen libro.) She suggested a good book.
Nosotrossugerimos(Nosotros sugerimos una solución.) We suggested a solution.
Vosotrossugeristeis(Vosotros sugeristeis una alternativa.) You all suggested an alternative.
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedessugirieron(Ellos sugirieron que nos fuéramos.) They suggested that we leave.

Imperfect Indicative

For habitual past actions or descriptions.

PronounConjugationExample
Yosugería(Siempre sugería ir a la playa.) I always used to suggest going to the beach.

Future Indicative

Used for suggestions you will make.

PronounConjugationExample
Yosugeriré(Te sugeriré un buen vino.) I will suggest a good wine to you.

Conditional Indicative

This tense expresses hypothetical suggestions.

PronounConjugationExample
Yosugeriría(Si pudiera, te sugeriría un viaje a España.) If I could, I would suggest a trip to Spain.

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood expresses subjectivity, desires, doubts, and possibilities. It’s often triggered by phrases like es importante que (it’s important that), quiero que (I want that), or dudo que (I doubt that).

Present Subjunctive

PronounConjugationExample
Yosugiera(Es importante que yo sugiera una solución.) It’s important that I suggest a solution.

Imperfect Subjunctive (Two Forms)

Both forms are generally interchangeable in modern Spanish.

PronounConjugation (Form 1)Conjugation (Form 2)Example
Yosugirierasugiriese(Dudaba que él sugiriera/sugiriese una idea mejor.) I doubted that he would suggest a better idea.

Future Subjunctive (Rarely Used)

Included for completeness, but rarely used in modern Spanish.

Imperative Mood

The imperative mood gives commands.

Affirmative Imperative

PronounConjugationExample
sugiere¡Sugiere una idea! Suggest an idea!

Negative Imperative

PronounConjugationExample
no sugierasNo sugieras eso. Don’t suggest that.

Other Forms

  • Gerund: sugiriendo (suggesting) – Estoy sugiriendo una nueva estrategia. (I am suggesting a new strategy.)
  • Past Participle: sugerido (suggested) – He sugerido que vayamos al cine. (I have suggested that we go to the movies.)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Forgetting the Stem Change: Remember the e to ie shift in the present indicative and subjunctive.
  • Incorrect Tense Usage: Ensure the tense aligns with the intended timeframe.
  • Pronoun Omission: Though subject pronouns can be omitted, using them clarifies meaning, especially when multiple people are involved.

Beyond Conjugation: Practical Application and Resources

If you are going to work soon, and you want to brush up on your conjugation skills, then you should check out the trabajar conjugation page. Similarly, if you are looking to learn a new song on the guitar, it is vital that you practice the tocar conjugation.

Download a Sugerir Conjugation Cheat SheetComing Soon!

Sugerir vs. Other Verbs of Suggestion

While sugerir is a common way to express suggestions, other verbs convey similar meanings but with subtle differences. Aconsejar (to advise) implies stronger guidance, while recomendar (to recommend) focuses on endorsing something specific. Understanding these nuances elevates your communication.

What is the Conjugation of Gametes?

Gamete conjugation, a cornerstone of sexual reproduction, involves the fusion of two haploid cells – typically a sperm (male) and egg (female) – to form a diploid zygote. This process, which differs across species, combines genetic material from both parents, creating offspring with unique genetic combinations. It fuels biodiversity and evolutionary adaptation. Research suggests complex molecular mechanisms govern gamete recognition and fusion, ensuring successful reproduction.

This expanded and restructured guide provides a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for mastering the conjugation of sugerir. The clear tables, examples, and explanations will empower learners to use this essential verb with confidence and fluency.

Lola Sofia