Adjectives Ending in ED and ING: Master Their Usage in English

Adjectives ending in -ed and -ing are a unique and important part of the language that allows us to describe people, places, and things in a more nuanced way. Adjectives ending in -ing describe the quality of the noun as it is in the process of being or doing something, while adjectives ending in -ed describe the quality of the noun after the action has been completed.

In this reference, you will explore the concept of adjectives ending in -ing and -ed, their various forms and functions, and how to use them effectively in writing and speech. Let’s delve into the world of these adjectives and discover how they can enrich your language.

List of Adjectives Ending in -ED and -ING

Adjectives Ending in ED and ING
Adjectives Ending in ED and ING – Created by 7ESL
  • Amazing – Amazed
  • Amusing – Amused
  • Annoying – Annoyed
  • Boring – Bored
  • Challenging – Challenged
  • Charming – Charmed
  • Confusing – Confused
  • Convincing – Convinced
  • Depressing – Depressed
  • Disappointing – Disappointed
  • Disgusting – Disgusted
  • Disturbing – Disturbed
  • Embarrassing – Embarrassed
  • Entertaining – Entertained
  • Exciting – Excited
  • Exhausting – Exhausted
  • Fascinating – Fascinated
  • Frightening – Frightened
  • Frustrating – Frustrated
  • Inspiring – Inspired
  • Interesting – Interested
  • Pleasing – Pleased
  • Relaxing – Relaxed
  • Relieving – Relieved
  • Satisfying – Satisfied
  • Shocking – Shocked
  • Surprising – Surprised
  • Terrifying – Terrified
  • Threatening – Threatened
  • Thrilling – Thrilled
  • Tiring – Tired
  • Touching – Touched
  • Worrying – Worried

Understanding Adjectives Ending in -ED and -ING

Adjectives that End in -ING

Adjectives ending in -ING describe the ongoing action, process, or source that causes a particular emotion or reaction. They give information on characteristics that create a specific reaction. Examples include:

  • Tiring (from “to tire”): The long working hours can be tiring for everybody.
  • Exciting (from “to excite”): The amusement park features many exciting rides and attractions.
  • Worrying (from “to worry”): The increasing pollution levels in the city are worrying.

These adjectives indicate the cause of a certain emotion, reaction, or state. While -ED adjectives inform how someone or something is affected, -ING adjectives highlight the source or process causing the effect.

Adjectives that End in -ED

Adjectives ending in -ED describe the state or condition of a person, thing, or situation. They often come from verbs and express the result of an action or behavior. Examples include:

  • Tired (from “to tire”): She was tired after her long day of work.
  • Excited (from “to excite”): The children were excited about the upcoming holiday.
  • Worried (from “to worry”): He was worried about the results of his exam.

These adjectives explain how someone feels or the state of a particular situation.

Comparing Adjectives Ending in -ED and -ING

Space science is very interesting to her.

She is interested in space science.

Adjectives ending in -ing describe something that causes a feeling, while -ed adjectives describe how somebody feels about it. For example, space science is interesting (causing interest), and she is interested (feeling interest).

Examples of -ED and -ING Adjectives

  • I was disappointed with the movie.
    (I felt disappointed.)
  • The movie was disappointing.
    (The movie caused disappointment.)
  • We were very shocked when we heard the news.
    (We felt shocked.)
  • The news was shocking.
    (The news caused shock.)

Active vs. Passive Meaning

-ing Adjectives (Active)

  • crying baby
    (The baby is crying.)
  • running man
    (The man is running.)
  • sleeping cat
    (The cat is sleeping.)
  • disturbing movie
    (The movie disturbs the audience.)

-ed Adjectives (Passive)

  • smashed window
    (The window has been smashed.)
  • An interested audience
    (The audience feels interest.)
  • confused man
    (The man feels confused.)
  • An excited child
    (The child feels excited.)

Key Notes

  • Use -ing adjectives for both things and people. They describe what the person or thing does or causes.
  • Use -ed adjectives only for people or animals. Things cannot feel, so they do not take -ed adjectives.
-ing Adjectives (Active) -ed Adjectives (Passive)
Crying (baby is crying) Interested (audience is interested)
Running (man is running) Confused (man is confused)
Sleeping (cat is sleeping) Excited (child is excited)

To sum up, the -ing form describes what someone or something does, while the -ed form describes how someone feels as a result.

List of Adjectives Ending in ED and ING
List of Adjectives Ending in ED and ING – Created by 7ESL

Adjectives Ending in ED and ING | Video

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