Estar + Gerund (Present Continuous)

Engage in this interactive lesson to master the Spanish Present Continuous (Estar + Gerund). Practice writing, speaking, listening, and mediation skills, then test yourself with a fun quiz!

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What is Estar + Gerundio?

The Spanish Present Continuous (Estar + Gerundio) works similarly to the English "-ing" form. It describes actions that are happening at this very moment.

Formula:

Examples:

• Yo estoy comiendo. (I am eating.)

• Ellos están bailando. (They are dancing.)

• Tú estás leyendo. (You are reading.)

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How to Form the Gerund (-ING Form)

1. Regular Verbs

• -AR verbs → -ando

  • Hablar → hablando (speaking)

  • Trabajar → trabajando (working)

• -ER & -IR verbs → -iendo

  • Comer → comiendo (eating)

  • Vivir → viviendo (living)

⚠️ Important: Unlike English, Spanish does not use the Present Continuous for future plans (use Voy a + infinitive instead).

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When to Use Estar + Gerundio

✅ Actions happening right now:

• "Estoy escribiendo un email." (I am writing an email.)

✅ Temporary actions (not habits):

• "Esta semana estoy estudiando mucho." (This week, I am studying a lot.)

❌ Do NOT use for:

• Future plans → "Mañana voy al cine." (✔)

• General habits → "Siempre leo libros." (✔)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to conjugate Estar

   • ❌ "Yo está comiendo." → ✔ "Yo estoy comiendo."

2. Mixing up -AR/-ER endings

   • ❌ "Estoy comando." → ✔ "Estoy comiendo."

Using it for future actions

• ❌ "Mañana estoy viajando." → ✔ "Mañana voy a viajar."

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Writing – Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct form of Estar + Gerund.

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Speaking – Describe the Scene

Look at this image 🔍 Describe what each person is doing using Estar + Gerund.

Example:

• "El niño está corriendo."

• "La mujer está leyendo un libro."

💡 Record yourself and compare with a partner or teacher!

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Listening – What Are They Doing?

🎧 Listen to the audio (🔗). Write down what each person is doing in the present continuous.

Example:

• "María está cocinando."

• "Los niños están jugando."

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Mediation – Role Play

📢 Work with a partner:

• Student A: Describe what you are doing right now (in Spanish).

• Student B: Translate/Summarize in English (mediation task).
  Then switch roles!

Example:

A: "Estoy escribiendo un mensaje."

B: "He/She is writing a message."

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