Spanish
Grade 7
15 min
¿Qué están haciendo? Practicando el presente progresivo
Practice using the present progressive tense to describe what people are doing in pictures.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Form the present progressive tense for regular -ar, -er, and -ir verbs.
Identify the correct usage of 'por' to indicate the reason or cause for an ongoing action.
Identify the correct usage of 'para' to indicate the purpose or goal of an ongoing action.
Construct sentences combining the present progressive with 'por' to explain why an action is happening.
Construct sentences combining the present progressive with 'para' to explain the goal of an action.
Differentiate between 'por' and 'para' when describing actions happening right now.
🏃♀️ ¿Estás corriendo para tomar el autobús o por el ejercicio? Let's learn how to talk about what's happening right now and explain the reason why!
In...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Presente ProgresivoA verb tense used to talk about actions that are happening right now. It is formed by using the verb 'estar' plus a gerund (the -ing form of a verb).Yo estoy hablando. (I am talking.)
Gerundio (-ando / -iendo)The Spanish equivalent of the '-ing' ending in English. For -ar verbs, add '-ando'. For -er and -ir verbs, add '-iendo'.caminar -> caminando; comer -> comiendo; vivir -> viviendo
Verbo 'Estar'The 'to be' verb used for temporary states, locations, and ongoing actions. It is the first part of the present progressive formula.Tú estás en la clase. (You are in the class.)
Por (Causa o Razón)A preposition used to explain the reason, cause, or motivation for an action. It answers th...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
Formula for Present Progressive
Subject + estar (conjugated) + gerund (-ando/-iendo)
To form the present progressive, first conjugate the verb 'estar' to match your subject (yo estoy, tú estás, etc.). Then, take your main verb, remove the -ar, -er, or -ir ending, and add '-ando' or '-iendo'.
When to Use 'Por'
Use 'por' to express the REASON or CAUSE of the ongoing action.
If you can replace the preposition with 'because of' or 'due to', you should use 'por'. It explains the motivation behind the action that is currently happening.
When to Use 'Para'
Use 'para' to express the PURPOSE, GOAL, or DESTINATION of the ongoing action.
If you can replace the preposition with &#...
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Challenging
A student is cleaning his room. His mom told him he can't go out until it's clean. He wants to go to the movies with his friends. Which statement best combines the reason and purpose of his action?
A.Él está limpiando para la regla de su mamá y por ir al cine.
B.Él está limpiando por la regla de su mamá y para poder ir al cine.
C.Él está limpiando por ir al cine y para la regla de su mamá.
D.Él está limpiando para poder ir al cine por sus amigos.
Challenging
Three of these sentences correctly use the present progressive with 'por' or 'para'. Which sentence is INCORRECT?
A.Estamos viajando por avión para llegar más rápido.
B.Ella está leyendo un libro por aprender más.
C.No puedo hablar ahora, estoy ocupado por una llamada importante.
D.Estoy practicando todos los días para ser el mejor.
Challenging
The tutorial gives the example: "Estoy trabajando por el proyecto especial." The project is the reason for working. Which situation below uses 'por' in the exact same way (to express the cause or motivation for an ongoing action)?
A.Estamos celebrando por tu cumpleaños.
B.Estamos caminando por el centro.
C.Te estoy llamando por teléfono.
D.Estoy pagando veinte dólares por la camisa.
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