Learn how to use the Spanish verbs "llevar" and "seguir" combined with the gerund form to express ongoing actions and durations. This lesson explains their formation, usage, and common examples, helping you master continuous actions in everyday communication.
- We use 'llevar' to indicate the duration of an action.
- We use seguir to show actions that continue
- Formation of the gerund: verbs that end in -ar --> ando and verbs that end in -er/-ir --> iendo
| Persona (Person) | Verbo auxiliar (Auxiliary verb) | Ejemplo (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Yo (I) | Llevo / Sigo | Llevo pensando en mi jubilación desde enero. (I have been thinking about my retirement since January.) |
| Tú (You) | Llevas / Sigues | Sigues viviendo con tranquilidad desde que te jubilaste. (You continue living peacefully since you retired.) |
| Él/Ella (He/She) | Lleva / Sigue | Élla sigue aprovechando el tiempo libre al máximo. (She continues making the most of her free time.) |
| Nosotros/as (We) | Llevamos / Seguimos | Llevamos cuidando de nuestra salud muchos años. (We have been taking care of our health for many years.) |
| Vosotros/as (You) | Lleváis / Seguís | Seguís organizando actividades para jubilados. (You keep organising activities for retirees.) |
| Ellos/as (They) | Llevan / Siguen | Llevan planeando viajes desde el retiro. (They have been planning trips since retirement.) |
Exceptions!
- A word can be added between the verb and the gerund, such as a time adverb or a noun. For example: Llevo meses siendo retirado.
Exercise 1: Los verbos "Llevar/Seguir" + Gerundio
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
llevo corriendo, aprendiendo, Llevo, lleváis disfrutando, llevo trabajando, soñando, lleva, Sigo haciendo, seguimos buscando, seguimos viajando
1.
Seguir + hacer (yo):
Nada ha cambiado. ... lo mismo.
(Nothing has changed. I am still doing the same thing.)
2.
Llevar + trabajando:
Yo ... en esta empresa por 30 años.
(I have been working in this company for 30 years.)
3.
Seguir + viajando:
Nosotros ... por el mundo después de la jubilación.
(We keep travelling around the world after retirement.)
4.
Llevar + disfrutando:
Vosotros ... de las vacaciones todo el mes.
(You have been enjoying the holidays all month.)
5.
Llevar + corriendo:
Yo ... 5 kilómetros todos los días.
(I have been running 5 kilometres every day.)
6.
Llevar + soñar:
... años ... con tener más tiempo libre.
(I have been dreaming for years of having more free time.)
7.
Seguir + buscando:
Nosotros ... una casa para mudarnos.
(We are still looking for a house to move into.)
8.
Llevar + aprender:
Él ... años ... español.
(He has been learning Spanish for years.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses the verbs 'llevar' or 'seguir' + gerund to express actions that continue over time.
1.
Error in verb formation: after 'llevar' there must be a gerund, not an infinitive.
Error: 'para' should not be used between 'seguir' and the gerund; 'aprendiendo' should be used without 'para'.
2.
Error: after 'seguir' a gerund ('disfrutando') must be used, not a participle ('disfrutado').
Error: 'para' is not used between 'llevar' and the gerund.
3.
Error: after 'llevar' the gerund must be used, not the infinitive.
Error: 'para' should not be used between 'seguir' and the gerund.
4.
Error: the gerund ('organizando') must be used, not the participle ('organizado').
Error: no preposition is used between 'seguir' and the gerund.