Stems and gerund

Question

Can somebody please give me some examples and explain to me when to use stems and gerunds in spanish?

If my answer has been helpful (or any others) please acknowledge it by clicking in the Vote word under the name. Thanks. - Jubilado, Nov 7, 2014

I see you asking a lot of questions which is great, but might I suggest that you take advantage of the free lessons and grammar here on SD. Many of your questions can be answered this way and by first doing a search. - rac1, Nov 7, 2014

Answer 1

Generally the stem refers to a verb, and is what is left when you take the -ar, -er, -ir off the infinitive. Examples: tomar, stem is tom-; comer, stem is com-; vivir, stem is viv- so you add the various endings to those stems.

That's the easy part for regular verbs; however (and it a big however), there are many verbs that are irregular and it it difficult to give a rule that covers all. One of the best stem rules is that the present subjunctive uses the stem from the first person singular present tense indicative, Examples: conozco, stem is conozc-, present subjunctive: conozca, conozcas, conozca, conozcamos, etc. Tengo stem is teng- present subjunctive tenga, tengas, tenga, tangamos etc.

Another rule for irregular verbs (and all verbs) is that the imperfect and future subjunctive endings are added to the stem that is left after taking off the -on ending of the third person singular preterite indicative. Example: tuvieron stem is tuvier- imperfect and future subjunctive (this tense is not used in conversational speech) tuviera, tuvieras, tuviéramos, etc.

The gerund (a verb used as a noun) is the infinitive in Spanish after a preposition. An example would be "By meeting the boss, he advanced in his position." Por conocer el jefe, etc.

Jubilado, you've got the stems right, I think Sc89 want to know about gerunds, the "ing" form of a verb. - Daniela2041, Nov 7, 2014

If you want me to explain further OK, but if you'd rather, then go ahead. - Daniela2041, Nov 7, 2014

Sorry to "but in" again, but in English the gerund is the "ing" form used as a noun, and in Spanish we use the infinitive. - Daniela2041, Nov 7, 2014

(I'll learn to lay off that enter button yet) I think maybe he wants to use the el participio presente, which in some texts is called "el gerundio",such as "-ando" "-iendo" and "yendo" - Daniela2041, Nov 7, 2014

You're right of course about the gerund in English and Spanish. I just wanted to touch on it a little with the confusion between the 2 languages with my example. Please elucidate further on the topic as you wish! - Jubilado, Nov 8, 2014

Who's confused, you are superchévere! See if you can find that in a dictionary, Hint: It's very complimentary. - Daniela2041, Nov 8, 2014

Answer 2

If you mean by "gerund" the "ing" form of the verb. This is called "el participio presente" in Spanish and "present participle" in English. In some texts it may be called the gerund.

If you want to express ongoing action you use the verb "estar" plus the present participle. To get get the present participle of "ar" verbs, remove the "ar" and replace with 'ando"

Thus: trabajar--take of the "ar" and replace with "ando" thus: trabajando

Luisa está trabajando ahora. Luisa is working now.

"er" and "ir" verbs you remove the "er" or "Ir" and add the ending "iendo" (some verbs use "yendo" but they sound the same)

Los estudiantes están escribiendo las respuestas. The students are writing the answers. Carlos está comiendo tacos y estoy celosa. Carlos is eating tacos and I'm jealous.

There are more uses for the participio presente but this is enough for one lesson. There are also some present participles with a stem change in the stem (of course). I better quit before I confuse you completely. Buena suerte.