Brain Boost: Present, Modal, and Reflexive Verbs
Section 5: Spanish Present Progressive Tense
Brain Boost: Present, Present Progressive, Reflexive Verbs
Section 6: Spanish Present Perfect
Brain Boost: Present, Present Perfect, Present Progressive
Section 7: Spanish Preterite Tense
3 of 8

Instruction: Spanish Present Progressive – Irregular

In Spanish, the present progressive tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening (right now). While many verbs follow regular patterns when forming the gerund, some verbs have irregular forms. Remember, a gerund adds an “-ing” in English (-ando or -iendo in Spanish). This lesson will cover how to form and use the present progressive tense with irregular verbs.

Forming the Present Progressive with Irregular Verbs

To form the present progressive with irregular verbs, you still need two components:

  1. The present tense of the verb “estar” (to be)
  2. The irregular gerund (gerundio) of the main verb
  • Estar + gerund

There are two main types of irregular gerunds:

  1. Gerunds that add a “y”
  2. Stem-changing gerunds

It’s also important to note that there are no irregular -ar verbs in the present progressive.

Irregular Gerunds that Add a “y”

Some verbs add a “y” in the gerund form to maintain pronunciation consistency.

Examples:

  1. Caer (to fall): cayendo (falling)
  2. Creer (to believe): creyendo (believing)
  3. Leer (to read): leyendo (reading)
  4. Oír (to hear): oyendo (hearing)
  5. Traer (to bring): trayendo (bringing)

Examples in Sentences:

  1. Caer (to fall)

    • Yo estoy cayendo. (I am falling right now.)
    • Tú estás cayendo. (You are falling right now.)
    • Él/Ella/Usted está cayendo. (He/She/You are falling right now.)
  2. Leer (to read)

    • Yo estoy leyendo. (I am reading right now.)
    • Tú estás leyendo. (You are reading right now.)
    • Él/Ella/Usted está leyendo. (He/She/You are reading right now.)

Stem-Changing Irregular Gerunds

Some verbs undergo stem changes in their gerund forms.

Examples:

  1. Decir (to say): diciendo (saying)
  2. Dormir (to sleep): durmiendo (sleeping)
  3. Morir (to die): muriendo (dying)
  4. Pedir (to request): pidiendo (requesting)
  5. Mentir (to lie): mintiendo (lying)
  6. Venir (to come): viniendo (coming)
  7. Sentir (to feel): sintiendo (feeling)

Examples in Sentences:

  1. Decir (to say)

    • Yo estoy diciendo. (I am saying right now.)
    • Tú estás diciendo. (You are saying right now.)
    • Él/Ella/Usted está diciendo. (He/She/You are saying right now.)
  2. Dormir (to sleep)

    • Yo estoy durmiendo. (I am sleeping right now.)
    • Tú estás durmiendo. (You are sleeping right now.)
    • Él/Ella/Usted está durmiendo. (He/She/You are sleeping right now.)

Conclusion

The present progressive tense is a powerful tool for describing ongoing actions in Spanish. Mastering its use with irregular verbs, including those that add a “y” and those that undergo stem changes, gives you more flexibility and variety in speaking Spanish. By practicing these forms, you’ll enhance your ability to express what is happening right now. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey of learning Spanish!