-ed/-ing adjectives – Adjectives from verbs

Exercises

Explanation

1. What Are -ed and -ing Adjectives?

These adjectives come from verbs.

-ed adjectives → describe how someone feels

• I’m interested in photography.

• They were shocked by the news.

-ing adjectives → describe the thing that causes the feeling

• The documentary was interesting.

• The news was shocking.

2. The Main Difference

Think of it this way:

3. Rules for Using -ed and -ing Adjectives

A. Use -ed for feelings

These adjectives describe temporary emotions.

• She is confused about the homework.

• We were frightened during the storm.

B. Use -ing for the cause

These adjectives describe the thing or situation that makes someone feel a certain way.

• The homework is confusing.

• The storm was frightening.

C. Many verbs form both types

Here are some common pairs:

4. Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using -ing to talk about your feelings

Incorrect: I’m confusing about this topic.
Correct: I’m confused about this topic.

Mistake 2: Using -ed to describe things

Incorrect: The lesson is bored.
Correct: The lesson is boring.

Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong emotion

Incorrect: I feel amazing by the exam results.
Correct: I feel amazed by the exam results.

5. Using -ed and -ing Adjectives in Everyday Life

Talking about your emotions

• I’m worried about the test.

• She felt relaxed after the yoga class.

Talking about the cause

• The test was really worrying.

• The yoga class was relaxing.

Using both in the same sentence

• I was impressed by the impressive performance.

• They were annoyed by the annoying alarm sound.

6. Quick Tips to Remember

• -ed = your emotion
  I’m bored, tired, excited, surprised…

• -ing = the thing that causes it
  The movie is boring. The job is tiring.

• Objects cannot feel
  So they cannot take -ed.

Incorrect: The book is tired.
Correct: The book is tiring.