I agree with Rusty. I'd just like to add some notes on your examples, Andy.
The verb "llevar" always needs a
complement; you need to state what is being
carried or
taken.
- Llevo a los
niños a la escuela.
Although in this case, the verb "llevar" means to have been in the same situation or place for a period of time, the verb still needs the complement, which is the
period of time. The verb "llevar" in this context is definitely not a synonym of "estar" and it needs a different construction. The reason why "estar" does not need that complement is because this verb already conveys the notion of remaining or continuing to be in a state or condition.
In your examples:
- I have been waiting for your call: He estado esperando tu llamada.
· Llevo
*** (how long?) esperando tu llamada.
-->Llevo horas, días, semanas, meses,... esperando tu llamada.
-I have been working too much: He estado trabajando demasiado.
· Llevo
*** trabajando demasiado.
-->Llevo mucho tiempo, varias semanas,... trabajando demasiado.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyP
Can 'llevar' also be used without a 'gerund' as in the following examples: Yes, it can, but not as it is used in your examples.
|
- I have been here for a while: He estado aquí por un rato.
· Llevo aquí
por un rato.
We don't use "por", because "un rato" is the natural complement of the verb, as it counts as a time unit.
- I have not been home today: No he estado en casa hoy.
· No llevo en casa hoy.
No, you can't use it like this. Since "llevar" is not a synonym of "estar", you definitely can't use it with this meaning. You may say "llevo mucho tiempo sin estar en casa", but it's not the same meaning.
- I have been ill: Yo he estado enfermo.
· Llevo enfermo
*** You need to state how long you've been sick.
-->You may say "llevo una semana enfermo", for example.
Some more examples without the "gerundio":
- La universidad lleva
siglos enseñando ciencias.
The university has taught sciences for centuries.
- El perro llevaba
tres días sin comer.
The dog hadn't eaten for three days.
- La empresa lleva
cien días sin accidentes.
The company has worked 100 days with no accidents.
- Mi equipo favorito lleva
diez años sin un campeonato.
My favorite team hasn't won a championship for 10 years.
Examples with "gerundio":
- La computadora lleva
una eternidad bajando las actualizaciones.
The computerta is taking ages to download the updates.
- Llevo
toda la vida esperando a mi príncipe azul.
I've waited my whole life for my Mr. Right.
- El doctor Morales lleva
décadas trabajando en el hospital.
Dr. Morales has been working in the hospital for decades.