Present Progressive

Rob-B23

Rob-B23

I notice in lesson 6.5 that it is said to be wrong if you say "Vamos pescando" perhaps because that is in the future.

But what about the ejemplo given below from the lesson? Isn't that in the future? So would "Vamos a venir pronto." be better?
 
Ejemplo: "Nosotros estamos viniendo pronto."

Gracias,

Rob
Steven-W15

Steven-W15

They're pretty similar:
- We are going to come soon.
- We are coming soon.

 
Rob-B23

Rob-B23

Thank you Steven.  I agree.  However the specific lesson indicated you would never use "We are going fishing."  So I am wondering why the lesson indicates it is ok to say "We are coming soon".  Those both seem similar too, although different activities.
Robert-C7

Robert-C7

The present progressive is used only for actions that are currently ongoing, not for actions we that are to occur in the future.  In this way, Spanish is different.  When we say "we are going to go fishing", we are talking about something that is going to happen in the future.  Therefore, we cannot say "vamos pescando" but must say "vamos a pescar".
Jo--110

Jo--110

Hi Rob,
I am also on this lesson. I think I understand why although please forgive me if I am incorrect and/or explain badly!
The present progressive uses the verb to be + a second verb ending in -ing in English and -ando/-iendo in Spanish.
"Nosotros estamos viniendo pronto"
This example is correct because it uses to be [nosotros estamos/we are] + the second verb [viniendo/coming]
"Vamos pescando"
This example is INCORRECT because it use the verb to go [vamos/we are going] NOT to be [nosotros estamos]
Although in English we can use it like that e.g. we are going fishing, in Spanish you cannot and the present progressive must always use the verb TO BE.
Hope that helps
Jo
Rob-B23

Rob-B23

That helps immensely.  I see know that I had virtually the same question for this thread as my question regarding "Me estoy".  Thank you, Steven W15 and everyone for hammering on my head until I get it.  Thanks for your patience.

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