Question 1

Why does this sentence use vienen separando instead of han estado separando to mean "have been separating"?

Accepted Answer

This uses the venir + gerund structure (like separando). It describes an action that started in the past and has been gradually continuing or accumulating up to the present. While han estado separando is also correct, using venir strongly emphasizes the gradual, step-by-step nature of the process.

Question 2

Why is there a se at the start of se vienen separando?

Accepted Answer

Here, se acts as a reciprocal pronoun. The base verb separar means to separate something else. By using the pronominal form separarse, it shows that the crust and the surface are separating from each other.

Question 3

Can I place the se somewhere else in the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When you have a conjugated verb followed by a gerund (like vienen separando), pronouns can go either right before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of the gerund. So, you could also say vienen separándose. Notice that if you attach it to the end, you must add an accent mark to maintain the original spoken stress.

Question 4

Does the word lentamente have a special connection to the vienen separando structure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they pair together perfectly! Because the venir + gerund structure already implies a gradual, accumulating process, it is very frequently paired with adverbs like lentamente (slowly) or phrases like poco a poco (little by little) to highlight how the action unfolds over time.

La corteza y la superficie se vienen separando lentamente.

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