Verbs with '-ing' and 'just done'

Verbs with ‘-ing’ and ‘just done’

• Understanding the use of verbs with ‘-ing’ and ‘just done’ is vital for mastering Spanish grammar. In Spanish, verbs ending in ‘-ing’ are known as gerunds and are often used but differ from English usage in several ways.
• Gerunds (Verb + ing): Formed in Spanish by taking the infinitive of the verb, removing the ending (ar, er, ir) and adding either ‘-ando’ for -ar verbs (e.g. hablando – speaking; llamando – calling) and ‘-iendo’ for -er and -ir verbs (e.g. comiendo – eating; viviendo – living).
• This form is used to express an action that is happening in the immediate present or near future. For instance, Estoy haciendo la tarea indicates ‘I am doing the homework’ (present progressive).
• Be careful not to confuse Spanish gerunds with English gerunds. In Spanish, gerunds never function as nouns like they do in English.
• Let’s switch to representing the English form of ‘just done’, which can be translated as ‘recién hecho’ or ‘acabo de’. The latter is more common and useful.
• ‘Acabo de’ + the infinitive verb is used in Spanish to say you have ‘just’ done something, indicating an action that was recently completed. For example, ‘Acabo de comer’ means ‘I just ate’.
• The conjugation of the verb ‘acabar’ changes according to the subject pronoun – so ‘él acaba de’, ‘nosotros acabamos de’, etc.
• Remember, the verb that follows ‘acabo de’ always remains in the infinitive form.
• Regular practice using ‘acabo de’ and ‘-ando/-iendo’ forms will help in becoming more comfortable with these grammatical concepts. Practice by describing actions you’re currently doing or have just completed in Spanish. Gradually, these structures will become second nature.