These constructions are used to show how an action proceeds over the course of time. This information can be conveyed both grammatically and lexically. To convey this information grammatically, accessory elements are added to the verbal stem. Hindi has three types of action:
Gradual type of action
This construction expresses an action or process that is progressing or developing. It can also be used to indicate the alternation of the participants of a situation. It is marked by the component -ता -taa / -ते -te / -ती -tii जा jaa, which is added to the verbal stem. This construction is not used in the negative sentences.
Examples:
मैं उतरता जा रहा था।
maiN utartaa jaa raha thaa.
'I descended further and further.'
वह यह बात समझता जाता है।
vo yeh baat samajhtaa jaataa hai.
'He realizes it more and more clearly.'
उस का चेहरा लाल होता जा रहा था।
us kaa cehraa laal hotaa jaa rahaa thaa.
'He was blushing more and more.' (=His face was getting redder and redder)
दिन गुज़रते गए।
din guzarte gae.
'Days were passing.' (One day after another)
नौकर खाने अंदर लाते जा रहे थे।
naukar khaane andar laate jaa rahe the.
'The servants were bringing the dishes.' (One dish after another)
Continual type of action
This construction expresses a continued action which continues without changing for a long period of time. It is marked by the component -ता -taa / -ते -te / -ती -tii रह rah, which is added to the verbal stem. This construction is not used in the negative sentences.
Examples:
वह रात भर नहीं सोई । सारा वक़्त रोती रही।
voh raat bhar nahiiN soii. saaraa vaqt rotii rahii.
'She didn't sleep all night. She cried all the time.' (Cried and cried, nonstop)
मैं लिखता रहता हूँ।
maiN likhtaa rahtaa huuN.
'I go on writing.'
सात दिन तक पानी बरसता रहा।
saat din tak paanii barastaa rahaa.
'It was showering for seven days.'
मुझे डर लगता रहा।
mujha Dar lagtaa rahaa.
'The fear didn't leave me.' (The fear was with me all the time)
जागते रहो!
jaagte raho!
'Don't sleep!' (Continue to stay awake)
Steady type of action
This construction expresses a recurring or repeating action which continues for an extra-long period of time. It is close to the English construction 'to use to do something'. In this construction, the verb करना karnaa 'to do' is used as an auxiliary verb and the main verb takes a special form which looks like the masculine direct singular Participle II but is indeclinable. Note that the verb जाना jaanaa 'to go' has the special form जाया jaayaa, not गया gayaa. This construction cannot be used with the continuous and perfect tenses.
Examples:
वह शाम को आया करती है।
vo śaam ko aayaa kartii hai.
'She usually comes in the evening.'
उसका दोस्त सिगरेट पिया करता था।
uskaa dost sigareT piyaa kartaa thaa.
'His friend used to smoke cigarettes.'
झूट मत बोला करो।
jhuuT mat bolaa karo.
'Don't tell lies.' (+never)
मेरी बहिन इतवार को पूजा करने जाया करती है।
merii behin itvaar ko puujaa karne jaayaa kartii hai.
'My sister usually goes to make puja on Sunday.' (puja = a ceremony of worshipping Hindu Gods)
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