-ed/-ing adjectives – Adjectives from verbs

Exercises

Explanation

1. What Are -ed and -ing Adjectives?

Both types originate from verbs, but they function differently in a sentence.

-ed adjectives → describe a person’s feelings or emotional reaction

• I’m interested in astronomy.

• He felt surprised by the announcement.

-ing adjectives → describe the thing, activity, or situation that creates the feeling

• The lecture was interesting.

• The announcement was surprising.

2. The Core Difference

Think of the difference like this:

3. How to Use -ed and -ing Adjectives

A. Use -ed to describe temporary feelings

These adjectives express how someone feels at a particular moment.

• She is confused about the instructions.

• We were delighted with the results.

• I’m frustrated because my laptop isn’t working.

B. Use -ing to describe the cause of the feeling

These adjectives explain what creates an emotional reaction.

• The instructions are confusing.

• The results were delightful.

• The broken laptop is frustrating.

C. Many verbs create both forms

Here are more useful pairs:

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using -ing to describe your own feelings

Incorrect: I’m worrying about the trip.
Correct: I’m worried about the trip.

Mistake 2: Using -ed to describe things

Incorrect: The presentation was tired.
Correct: The presentation was tiring.

Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong emotion

Incorrect: I felt exciting during the event.
Correct: I felt excited during the event.

5. Using -ed and -ing Adjectives in Real-Life Communication

Talking about your feelings

• I’m exhausted after the long day.

• She was embarrassed when she forgot his name.

Describing the cause of the feeling

• The long day was exhausting.

• The situation was embarrassing.

Using both forms together

• I was amused by his amusing story.

• They were shocked by the shocking news report.

6. Quick Memory Tips

-ed = emotions

Use it for how a person feels.

• I’m confused.

• She’s excited.

• They’re disappointed.

-ing = the cause of the feeling

Use it for things, events, activities, or situations.

• The book is confusing.

• The trip was exciting.

• The match was disappointing.

Objects cannot feel

So they never take -ed.

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