ED or ING adjectives – video lesson
Some adjectives have two different spellings. You can say ‘bored‘ or ‘boring‘.
They both have the same definition, so what is the difference?
-ed adjectives = a person feels this
-ing adjectives = something gives a person this feeling
List of the most common -ed / -ing pairs:
amused = a person feels this
amusing = something gives a person this feeling
All the children were highly amused in the theatre, because the performance was very amusing.
amazed = a person feels this
amazing = something gives a person this feeling
You got a 9 on the IELTS exam? Wow, I’m amazed. That is really amazing.
annoyed = a person feels this
annoying = something gives a person this feeling
I’m so annoyed, my flatmate finished my toilet paper again! It’s so annoying living with someone who doesn’t respect my stuff.
confused / confusing
Teacher, I’m so confused. Why are modal verbs so confusing!
depressed / depressing
I can’t watch depressing films like Schindler’s List. I feel so depressed afterward.
disappointed / disappointing
You know what, this wine is a little disappointing. It’s supposed to be a very good one. I’m pretty disappointed.
embarrassed / embarrassing
I’ve had the most embarrassing thing happen to me. I got on the bus and slipped and fell in front of everyone! To make matters worse, I got up, and saw my ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend at the back of the bus staring at me! I can’t tell you how embarrassed I am.
excited/exciting
What? You’re getting married! How exciting! I’m so excited for you.
exhausted / exhausting
Okay I’m exhausted. Opening a new bank account is exhausting.
frightened / frightening
frustrated/frustrating
Trying to convince my parents that I don’t want to get married is so frustrating! I feel frustrated whenever the topic comes up.
satisfied / satisfying
It’s satisfying when you get a good review from a satisfied customer.
shocked / shocking
What? David and Kerry are getting divorced? That truly is shocking. I thought they were doing well together. I’m speechless, I’m shocked.
surprised/ surprising
Why are you so surprised? The news isn’t surprising, is it?
tired / tiring
Why do I feel so tired? Looking for a job shouldn’t be this tiring.
worried / worrying
I was worried sick about you! Do you have any idea how worrying it is to have your child come home so late? I had no idea where you were!
Not all -ed adjectives have an -ing equivalent or refer to a person’s emotion.
We can say:
Wow Mary, your fridge is so organized.
The word ‘organizing‘ only exists as a verb/gerund:
Sorry, I can’t go out tonight. I’m busy organizing my room for the move.
We can say:
I feel stressed about my exam because exams are always stressful stressing.
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Other or Another? What’s the difference?
Great job for getting through an English lesson!
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Your teacher,
Arnel
