Presente Continuo de Indicativo (Present Continuous Indicative Tense)
The presente continuo de indicativo (also known as presente progresivo de indicativo) is used to describe actions that are happening right now or actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking. It emphasizes ongoing actions that are happening in the present.
Mood:
The indicative mood in the present continuous tense expresses actions that are happening at the current moment, indicating that the action is real and factual.
- Indicative mood = certainty, facts, reality
- Present continuous tense = ongoing actions happening in the present
Usage:
- To describe actions happening right now: Estoy comiendo. (I am eating.)
- To describe actions that are temporary or in progress: Estamos estudiando para el examen. (We are studying for the exam.)
- To describe future plans or events that have been arranged: Mañana estoy viajando a Madrid. (I am traveling to Madrid tomorrow.)
Formation:
The presente continuo is formed by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb estar followed by the present participle (gerundio) of the main verb, which ends in -ando for AR verbs, and -iendo for ER and IR verbs.
Regular Conjugation (Indicative):
| Person | Estar (Auxiliary) | AR Verbs (Present Participle) | ER Verbs (Present Participle) | IR Verbs (Present Participle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yo | estoy | -ando | -iendo | -iendo |
| Tú | estás | -ando | -iendo | -iendo |
| Él/Ella/Usted | está | -ando | -iendo | -iendo |
| Nosotros | estamos | -ando | -iendo | -iendo |
| Vosotros | estáis | -ando | -iendo | -iendo |
| Ellos/Ustedes | están | -ando | -iendo | -iendo |
Irregular Present Participles:
Some verbs have irregular present participles in the presente continuo. Common irregulars include:
- Decir (to say/tell): -iendo becomes diciendo
- Ir (to go): -iendo becomes yendo
- Poder (to be able to): -iendo becomes pudiendo
- Venir (to come): -iendo becomes viniendo
Common Time Expressions:
- Ahora (now)
- En este momento (at this moment)
- Mientras (while)
- Hoy (today)
- Este mes (this month)
Examples:
- Estoy trabajando en un proyecto. (I am working on a project.)
- Ellos están jugando al fútbol. (They are playing soccer.)
- ¿Qué estás haciendo? (What are you doing?)
- Estamos cenando en un restaurante. (We are having dinner at a restaurant.)
