-ed and -ing adjectives
Definition
Many adjective pairs ending in -ed and -ing describe two sides of the same situation. The -ed form usually describes the person or thing affected, while the -ing form describes what produces that effect.
Examples
-
The lecture was boring.
The lecture caused boredom, so the -ing adjective describes the source of the feeling.
-
We were bored by the lecture.
We experienced the feeling, so the -ed adjective describes the affected people.
-
That explanation is confusing.
The explanation causes confusion.
-ed adjectives vs. -ing adjectives
Marta is interested in astronomy.
Marta experiences the interest.
Astronomy is interesting.
Astronomy produces the interest.
Interested describes the person affected. Interesting describes the subject that creates the reaction.
People can also take -ing adjectives
An -ing adjective does not have to describe an object or event. It can describe a person when that person produces the reaction in others.
-
Sam is annoying.
Sam causes other people to feel annoyed.
-
Sam is annoyed.
Sam experiences the feeling.
Common mistakes
I am boring in this class.
I am bored in this class.
Use bored for the feeling you experience. Boring would mean that you cause boredom.
The film was bored.
The film was boring.
A film normally causes the reaction rather than experiences it.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means that the speaker feels tired?
Tired describes the person who experiences the feeling. Tiring describes something that causes tiredness.Which sentence describes something that causes excitement?
Exciting describes the match as the source of the reaction.Which sentence means that Lena causes interest in other people?
Interesting means that Lena produces interest. Interested would describe Lena's own feeling.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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