-ing and -ed Adjectives in English: How to Use and Practice Effectively

Have you ever wondered why the same verb can create different meanings when turned into adjectives ending in -ing and -ed? Mastering these adjective forms helps you express ideas more precisely and dynamically—especially in the IELTS Writing test, where vocabulary flexibility is essential for achieving a high score.

So, what is the difference between -ing and -ed adjectives? In this guide, IDP IELTS will walk you through their definitions, uses, and practical exercises.

-ing and -ed adjectives are formed from verbs by adding -ing or -ed suffixes. They are known as participial adjectives and function like regular adjectives to describe nouns. However, their meanings differ significantly depending on the suffix.

-ing adjectives describe the characteristics or nature of a person, thing, or situation that causes a feeling.

Example: The last beach trip was so relaxing, I felt recharged.

-ed adjectives describe how someone feels as a result of something.

Example: He felt very disappointed when he was not chosen for the team

Although -ing and -ed adjectives share the same root verb, they are used differently.

Position in Sentences

Both types can appear:

• Before a noun (e.g., an exciting experience)

• After linking verbs (e.g., She is bored)

• After indefinite pronouns

• In special sentence structures

Usage

• -ing adjectives are active and describe the source of emotion or reaction.

  Example: This dish has a very appealing taste, making me want to enjoy it right away.

• -ed adjectives are passive and describe the receiver of the emotion or reaction.

  Example: I was so bored in that lesson, I almost fell asleep.

When to Use -ing vs -ed

• Use -ing adjectives when the noun is the source of the feeling.

  Example: The story in the book was so heartwarming that it brought me to tears.

• Use -ed adjectives when the noun is affected by the feeling.

  Example: I felt terrified when I watched that horror movie.

Q: What do you like about your major?

My major is extremely interesting because it provides me with a broad range of economic knowledge, opening up many exciting career options. I can pursue a rewarding career as a banker or a purchaser in a large corporation. Moreover, I get to interact with a lot of intelligent and inspiring people.

Q: Would you prefer to study alone or with others?

I am an easily distracted person, so I prefer to study independently. To be honest, I find it difficult to concentrate when there is any noise, even if it's quiet.

Q: How often do you read books?

It varied over time. When I was younger, I was fascinated by reading, but as a teenager, I became distracted by other things. It was more relaxing to focus on a YouTube video than an engaging book. However, now that I’ve formed a dedicated reading habit, I feel motivated to read every day. Having an interesting book is essential whenever I travel because it’s an enjoyable way to stay entertained while waiting.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Answer

1. Are you interested / interesting in football?

2. The football match was quite exciting / excited. I enjoyed it.

3. It is sometimes embarrassing / embarrassed to ask people for money.

4. Do you easily get embarrassed / embarrassing?

5. I had never expected to get the job. I was really amazed / amazing when I was offered it.

6. She learned very fast. She made astonishing / astonished progress.

7. I didn’t find the situation funny. I was not amused / amusing.

8. It was a really terrifying / terrified experience. Everyone was shocked / shocking afterward.

9. Why do you always look so bored / boring? Is your life really that bored / boring?

10. He is one of the most boring / bored people I have ever met. He never says anything interested / interesting.

Answers:

1. interested

2. exciting

3. embarrassing

4. embarrassed

5. amazed

6. astonishing

7. amused

8. terrifying, shocked

9. bored, boring

10. boring, interesting

Exercise 2: Fill in the Correct Adjective

Words to use: bored, boring, confused, confusing, interested, interesting, excited, exciting, amused, amusing, surprised, surprising, exhausted, exhausting, annoyed, annoying

1. He works very hard. It’s not __________ that he’s always tired.

2. The teacher’s explanation was __________. Most students didn’t understand.

3. I rarely visit museums. I’m not very __________ in art.

4. The lecture was __________. I fell asleep.

5. Liz is always late. I’ll be __________ if she arrives on time.

6. I’ve worked all day. Now I’m completely __________.

7. I’m starting a new job next week. I’m really __________ about it.

8. Tom is great at telling jokes. He’s really __________.

9. There’s no need to get __________ just because I’m a bit late.

10. Liz is an __________ person. She knows a lot and has many life experiences.

Answers:

1. surprising

2. confusing

3. interested

4. boring

5. surprised

6. exhausted

7. excited

8. amusing

9. annoyed

10. interesting

Learn to Use -ing and -ed Adjectives Effectively with IDP

This guide has helped you clearly understand the difference and usage of -ing and -ed adjectives. Using them correctly not only makes your writing more descriptive and engaging but also boosts your lexical resource in IELTS Writing and Speaking.

At IDP, you can choose between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. If you take the IELTS on computer, your results will be available in just 2 days. Plus, you’ll have access to IELTS One Skill Retake, which allows you to retake any one section without redoing the entire test.

Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and take the first step toward achieving your desired score!