Present continuous

Question 1

When do you use the presente continuo in Spanish?

Answer 1

To show progression of an action in the present. Equivalent to ‘ing’ form in English.

Question 2

How do you form the presente continuo in Spanish?

Answer 2

The present tense of the verb estar followed by the present participle or gerund of the verb being used.

Question 3

How do you form the gerund?

Answer 3

By adding the endings -ando (to -ar verbs) or -iendo (to -er/-ir verbs) to the stems.

Question 4

There are 13 irregulars in the gerund. Give the gerund form of these verbs.

1. Caer
2. creer
3. leer
4. traer
5. ir
6. oír
7. construir
8. decir
9. dormir
10. seguir
11. pedir
12. repetir
13. corregir

Answer 4

1. cayendo
2. creyendo
3. leyendo
4. trayendo
5. yendo
6. oyendo
7. construyendo
8. diciendo
9. durmiendo
10. siguiendo
11. pidiendo
12. repitiendo
13. corrigiendo

Question 5

When is it used?

Answer 5

To emphasise that actions are taking place as we speak

To refer to actions perceived as going on or in progress