Question 1

Why does this sentence use andan instead of están?

Accepted Answer

Using andar followed by a gerund (like moldeando) creates a diffuse or intermittent progressive action. While están moldeando means they are doing it right this exact second in one spot, andan moldeando implies a continuous but scattered action. It gives the feeling that they are going around doing this task over a period of time, stopping and starting, or moving along different parts of the ramparts.

Question 2

Do I need to repeat andan before compactando?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not. When you have two or more gerunds (verb forms ending in -ando or -iendo) connected by y, you only need to use the auxiliary verb andan before the first one. It automatically applies to both actions in the sentence.

Question 3

Why use murallas here instead of paredes or muros for walls?

Accepted Answer

Muralla specifically refers to a large, thick, defensive wall, like a rampart around a castle, fortress, or ancient city. A pared is an everyday wall inside or outside a building, and a muro is usually a freestanding outdoor wall or barrier. Since they are working on massive defensive ramparts, murallas is the precise word.

Question 4

The verb is moldear. Why is the gerund moldeando rather than moldeiendo?

Accepted Answer

Because moldear is an -ar verb, you drop the -ar and add the standard -ando ending. The e is just part of the verb stem (mold-e-ar), so it stays in place to make moldeando. You would only use an -iendo ending for -er and -ir verbs.

Ellos andan moldeando y compactando las murallas.

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