when to use -ando / iendo

Question

Hi there,

I'm getting confused with some basics. If I want to say the world is changing... how do I say this? do you use the infinitive? El mundo es cambiar or do you say cambiado ... when do you the - ado or is it ando '?

Thanks!

Answer 1

the infinitive (except in certain defined situations) will be translated by the to + verb form in english.

But therein lies Nicole's original question. That is, the infinitive in Spanish very often translates to a gerund in English.

• Vi a mi hermano entrar en la casa.

• I saw my brother going (or go) into the house.

• Ahorrar es dificil para él.

• Saving is difficult for him.

Answer 2

These might help some

http://spanish.about.com/library/beginning/bl-beg-verbs-present_participle.htm

http://spanish.about.com/cs/verbs/g/perfectgl.htm

There are also links to other lessons

Answer 3

el mundo cambia.
the world changes.
the world does change.
the world is changing.

if you want to put special emphasis on the process you can use:
el mundo está cambiando.

the infinitive (except in certain defined situations) will be translated by the to + verb form in english.
cambiar = to change

Answer 4

Thanks Gustavo, that link didn't work though! Do you have time to tell me why the answers are what they are'?

Cheers