Question 1

What is the exact difference between saying non va diminuendo and non sta diminuendo?

Accepted Answer

Both translate roughly to "is not decreasing", but they have a different focus. Using stare + gerund (sta diminuendo) simply states what is happening right now. Using andare + gerund (va diminuendo) emphasizes a gradual process unfolding over time. The speaker is stressing that the fatigue isn't fading "little by little" as they had hoped.

Question 2

Does va literally mean "goes" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Not here. While va comes from andare (to go), in this specific structure it acts purely as a helper verb. When combined with a present gerund like diminuendo, andare loses its meaning of physical movement and instead adds the aspect of a continuous, step-by-step progression to the main verb.

Question 3

Where does the negative non go when using the andare + gerund structure?

Accepted Answer

Just like with other multi-word verb structures (such as stare + gerund or the passato prossimo), the non goes immediately before the conjugated helper verb. In this sentence, it sits directly in front of va, negating the entire gradual process.

Question 4

Could I use the verb passare instead of diminuire here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, saying non va passando would also sound very natural. Diminuendo (decreasing/lessening) focuses on the intensity of the fatigue dropping, while passando (passing/going away) focuses on the fatigue leaving completely. Both verbs work perfectly with the gradual andare + gerund structure.

Purtroppo, questa stanchezza non va diminuendo.

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