GERUND.—Gerundio.
The gerund is that part of the verb that terminates in ando in the verbs of the first conjugation, and in iendo in those of the second and third; as, publicando, (publishing,) from publicar; prometiendo, (promising,) from prometer; asistiendo, (assisting,) from asistir. It does not admit any change of gender or number.
It is translated by the English present participle, and conjugated with the verb estar, (to be;) as,
Anastasia is reading, and Maria Ann is playing on the piano.
Anastasia está leyendo, y Maria Ana está tocando el piano.
It is used also absolutely; as,
By practising virtue thou wilt be happy. | Practicando la virtud, serás feliz.
VERBS THAT ALTER THEIR RADICAL LETTERS.
Verbs ending in car change the c into que, when the first letter of the termination is e; as, to mark, marcar, marc-ar, (perfect tense) marqué.