Look at these examples to see how adjectives ending in -ed and -ing are used.
I was really bored in that presentation.
That was a really boring presentation.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
- Grammar test 1
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
Adjectives that end in -ed (e.g. bored, interested) and adjectives that end in -ing (e.g. boring, interesting) are often confused.
-ed adjectives
Adjectives that end in -ed generally describe emotions – they tell us how people feel.
I was so bored in that lesson, I almost fell asleep.
He was surprised to see Helen after all those years.
She was really tired and went to bed early.
-ing adjectives
Adjectives that end in -ing generally describe the thing that causes the emotion – a boring lesson makes you feel bored.
Have you seen that film? It's really frightening.
I could listen to her for hours. She's so interesting.
I can't sleep! That noise is really annoying!
Here are some adjectives that can have both an -ed and an -ing form.
| annoyed | annoying |
| bored | boring |
| confused | confusing |
| disappointed | disappointing |
| excited | exciting |
| frightened | frightening |
| interested | interesting |
| surprised | surprising |
| tired | tiring |
| worried | worrying |
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
- Grammar test 2
very good lesson
This lesson is really difficult, I don't understand when to use "ed" and when to use "ing". I tried to practice with the examples but I still don't understand them well. I'm worried about it. Who can help me with this problem? Thank so lot.
Hello Nguyentiep,
Could you please ask us a more specific question? I think we will be able to help you better if we can see how you are thinking.
If you don't know what to ask, please explain to us what you think the difference is between a specific pair of adjectives, for example, 'tired' and 'tiring'. We can then respond to help you understand.
Does that sound OK?
All the best,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team
I made a lot of mistakes on this topic and this situation made me feel really foolish but today I have learned that if I'm in a confusing situation, I need to think twice.
I am confused about talking and writing and talking in English with others
Hi abdelrehim,
You might like to look at the articles in our "Improve your English level" section (linked). They give advice about speaking and other aspects of learning. I hope it helps.
Jonathan
LearnEnglish team
I am worried that I can remember the rule in this lesson.
I'm a little bit confusing how to use the ed and ing but on the other hand, it's interesting. Thanks for the lesson.
Indeed!
That's why you used confusing, instead of confused.
I do apologise from core of my heart if that is a typing mistake!
Signing off on behalf of myself:)
that was so practical :)