Using the Progressives

Note: What were you doing?

What are you doing?

What will you be doing?

Juan está pagando la cuenta.

Notice that you conjugate the first verb, the helping verb.

ESTAR is conjugated. It is the helping verb.

Then, you add the present participle (--ing word) of the main verb.

Pagar is not conjugated. Use the participle of the main verb.

AR verbs use –ando.

ER verbs use –iendo.

IR verbs use –iendo.

Most verbs follow this pattern.

Form AR participle

Start with the infinitive, ENTRAR.

Drop the AR, ENTR-.

Add –ando, ENTRANDO.

Form ER/IR participle

Start with infinitive, COMER or VIVIR.

Drop the ER or IR, COM- or VIV-.

Add –iendo, COMIENDO or VIVIENDO.

In Spanish, you use the verb estar (to be) along with the -ando or -iendo form of a verb.

AR verbs: -andoER & IR verbs: -iendo

Now you try it. Conjugate the verb estar first. Make sure you are conjugating for the correct person (I, you, he/she, we, they).

Now, add the –ing verb in the participle form.

Present Progressive Tense

Begin by conjugating ESTAR in the present tense.

estoy

estás

está

estamos

están

Now, add the participle of the main verb.

Be sure to remember any irregular verbs like IR, LEER, TRAER, etc.

Try these:

We are buying a new house.

You are not studying enough!

He is eating already.

Past Progressive Tense

Begin by conjugating ESTAR in the past tense.

estaba

estábas

estába

estabamos

estában

Now, add the participle of the main verb.

Be sure to remember any irregular verbs like IR, LEER, TRAER, etc.

Try these:

I was taking the test.

She was taking the test.

They were playing soccer.

Future Progressive Tense

Begin by conjugating ESTAR in the future.

estaré

estarás

estará

estaremos

estarán

Now, add the participle of the main verb.

Be sure to remember any irregular verbs like IR, LEER, TRAER, etc.

Try these:

They will be drinking their sodas.

She will be talking to her boyfriend.

You will be giving a party next week.