Use -ed adjectives to describe how a person feels, as in I am bored in this class, and -ing adjectives to describe the thing or situation that causes that feeling, as in this movie is boring. Mixing them up is a common mistake for learners.
Grammar Rule
-ed adjectives describe how a person feels; -ing adjectives describe the thing or situation that causes that feeling.
-ed vs -ing Adjectives: Rules and Examples
| Ending | Describes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -ed | the person’s feeling | I am bored in this class. She is excited about the trip. |
| -ing | what causes the feeling | This movie is boring. The news was exciting. The instructions are confusing. |
Remember: -ed describes how someone feels; -ing describes what causes that feeling.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between -ed and -ing adjectives. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
-ed vs. -ing Adjectives (Bored/Boring, Interested/Interesting)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do -ed adjectives describe?
-ed adjectives describe how a person feels, as in I am bored in this class or she is excited about the trip.
What do -ing adjectives describe?
-ing adjectives describe the thing or situation that causes a feeling, as in this movie is boring or the news was exciting.
Can the same adjective have both an -ed and an -ing form?
Yes, many adjectives have both forms with different meanings, such as bored and boring, or interested and interesting.
What is a common mistake with -ed and -ing adjectives?
A common mistake is using -ed to describe a thing, as in this movie is bored, when it should be this movie is boring.