What is the difference between the iar verbs that need the accent and those that don't

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Accepted Answer

Hola Charles y David
Thanks for bringing up this topic—it’s definitely one that can be tricky! The main point to remember is that while most -iar verbs do not require an accent on the "i" in their conjugation, there are exceptions, as David mentioned. These exceptions typically involve verbs where the stress naturally falls on the "i", causing it to be accented to maintain the correct pronunciation.
There isn’t a strict rule that covers all cases, which is why these exceptions need to be memorized. As you've noticed, verbs like ampliar, enviar, guiar, and fiar (along with their related forms) do require the accent to ensure the correct emphasis in both the present indicative and present subjunctive forms.
For those learning Spanish, focusing on these exceptions and practicing them in context can help solidify your understanding. It’s great that you’re comparing resources, as this cross-referencing can also aid in memorization. Over time, with practice, recognizing which verbs need the accent will become more intuitive.
Cheers, and happy studying!
Silvia

Answer

Hello there Charles ... My Grammar book [by Butt and Benjamin] says that the majority do not accent the"i"... It then gives a list of exceptions, but there is no obvious guideline for recognising verbs which do place a tilde on the "i". They include ampliar, averiar, criar, enfriar, enviar/desviar, fiar(se)/confiar/desafiar, guiar, liar, vaciar and variar ... [plus (not quite so common?): ansiar, espiar, fotografiar, rociar]... As to be expected, verbs built from the same root (like the two which end in '-viar') will all follow that pattern. Cheers, David Mc >

> I've just compared my above^ 'selection' with the Kwiziq one at {"-iar Spanish verbs that need a written accent in El Presente and El Presente de Subjuntivo Spanish grammar"} - (theme-lesson 1433458) - and it is very similar. So it is just a question of focussing on and memorising these.