Present progressive (gerunds, explanation)

Today we worked with the present progressive (estar + gerund). Remember, to form the gerund for -ar verbs, we take off the ending and add -ando; to form the gerund for -er and -ir verbs, we take off the ending and add -iendo.

Certain exceptions:

• dormir --> durmiendo; 
• venir --> viniendo; 
• pedir --> pidiendo
• ir --> yendo
• preferir --> prefiriendo
• vestir --> vistiendo

              (more exceptions, in an easy-to-study flashcard format, here)

Also, to form the present progressive for reflexive verbs (such as bathing yourself, dressing yourself, etc), we form the present progressive as usual and add the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se), either at the end of the gerund (the verb that ends in "-ndo") or before the conjugated "estar". When we attach the reflexive pronoun to the gerund, we must add an accent (either -ándo or -iéndo). Examples:

• Vestirse, él: Se está vistiendo; Está vistiéndose.
• Despertarse, tú: Te estás despertando; Estás despertándote.
• Ducharse, nosotros: Nos estamos duchando; Estamos duchándonos. 

              (more gerund formations, regular, here)

(Quizlet is actually a great site for making flashcards or for finding flashcards other people have made for Spanish, or a number of other subjects. You do have to join in order to make flashcards, but not to use the ones already made. And the best part? You can take them with you-- yep, they have mobile apps! Check it out!)

Ok- the powerpoint slides' images will be up by the end of the week.  Please feel free to post questions, comments, or requests, as far as information goes.