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Empezar Present Subjunctive Practice

Empezar (to start, to begin) in the present subjunctive: 14 free exercises with an explanation after every answer, plus the full conjugation table.

14 exercisesStem-changing e→ieB1 – B2 level
IWhat to watch for

Empezar in the present subjunctive combines two changes. The stressed forms keep the e→ie diphthong (empiece, empieces, empiece, empiecen), while nosotros and vosotros do not (empecemos, empecéis). On top of that, the z becomes c before -e in every form, so it is empiece and empecemos, never empieze or empezemos.

Use these forms after triggers of wish, emotion, doubt or purpose such as espero que, quiero que, es mejor que, ojalá and para que. The double change (ie plus z→c) is the main thing to watch.

IIConjugation
empezarPresent Subjunctive
yo
empiece
empieces
él / ella / usted
empiece
nosotros
empecemos
vosotros
empecéis
ellos / ustedes
empiecen
e→ie in the present (empiezo) plus a z→c spelling change before e: empecé, empiece.
IIIPractice exercises

Practice.

Answer first, then read the explanation. Don't skip it — that's the whole point.

Exercise 01 of 14Tag: Yo form
Fill in the blank

Mi entrenador quiere que _____ con ejercicios suaves de calentamiento. (empezar)

My trainer wants me to start with gentle warm-up exercises.

Exercise 02 of 14Tag: Tú form
Fill in the blank

Espero que _____ a cuidar más tu alimentación este año. (empezar)

I hope you start taking better care of your diet this year.

Exercise 03 of 14Tag: Ella form
Fill in the blank

Es mejor que la reunión _____ sin más retrasos. (empezar)

It's better for the meeting to start without further delays.

Exercise 04 of 14Tag: Nosotros form
Fill in the blank

El profesor sugiere que _____ por los capítulos más fáciles. (empezar)

The teacher suggests that we start with the easier chapters.

Exercise 05 of 14Tag: Ellos form
Fill in the blank

Ojalá los niños _____ a leer desde muy pequeños. (empezar)

I hope the children start reading from a very young age.

Exercise 06 of 14Tag: Yo form
Fill in the blank

Ella prefiere que _____ la presentación con una anécdota corta. (empezar)

She prefers that I start the presentation with a short anecdote.

Exercise 07 of 14Tag: Tú form
Fill in the blank

Te doy estos consejos para que _____ con buen pie tu proyecto. (empezar)

I'm giving you this advice so that you start your project off on the right foot.

Exercise 08 of 14Tag: Usted form
Fill in the blank

Es importante que el tratamiento _____ lo antes posible. (empezar)

It's important that the treatment start as soon as possible.

Exercise 09 of 14Tag: Nosotros form
Fill in the blank

La guía recomienda que _____ el recorrido por la catedral. (empezar)

The guide recommends that we start the tour at the cathedral.

Exercise 10 of 14Tag: Ellos form
Fill in the blank

Quiero que mis alumnos _____ a escribir su propio diario. (empezar)

I want my students to start writing their own diary.

Exercise 11 of 14Tag: Yo form
Fill in the blank

No creo que _____ el proyecto antes del viernes. (empezar)

I don't think I'll start the project before Friday.

Exercise 12 of 14Tag: Tú form
Fill in the blank

Ojalá _____ a sentirte mejor muy pronto. (empezar)

I hope you start feeling better very soon.

Exercise 13 of 14Tag: Ella form
Fill in the blank

Para que el motor _____ bien, deja que caliente un momento. (empezar)

So the engine starts well, let it warm up for a moment.

Exercise 14 of 14Tag: Ellos form
Fill in the blank

El director espera que los actores _____ el ensayo puntuales. (empezar)

The director hopes the actors start the rehearsal on time.

Every answer is explained

Not just a green check. A short paragraph telling you why.

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