Read about using adjectives with -ed and -ing. Then, when you are ready, try these -ed/ing adjectives practice exercises.

Differences between adjectives with -ed and -ing

She is frightened (-ed adjectives).

When we want to say how we feel, we can use  verb + ed. For example, frightened.

To describe the reason we feel like this, we use verb + ing. For example, frightening.

Spiders frighten her. (verb, present simple, permanent fact)

She is frightened. (-ed adjective)

The spider is frightening. (-ing adjective)

Actually, I quite like spiders! I think they are interesting (so I am interested in spiders).

 

Some more examples

There are lots of words which you can use like this. For example:

  • tired / tiring
  • exhausted / exhausting
  • embarrassed / embarrassing
  • amused / amusing
  • surprised / surprising
  • amazed / amazing
  • astonished / astonishing
  • annoyed / annoying
  • shocked / shocking
  • excited / exciting
  • worried / worrying
  • interested / interesting
  • confused / confusing
  • depressed / depressing

However, be careful of irregular examples:

  • stressed / stressful
  • delighted / delightful
  • scared / scary

 Now, try these -ed/ing adjectives practice exercises.