Grammar - Adjectives ('ed' and ing' Endings)

Compiled from Grammar Builder Book 3

The rules:

1. Some adjectives are formed from verbs by adding ‘ing’ or ‘ed’ endings to them.

a)    An ‘ing’ adjective is usually used to describe a thing or situation; an ‘ed’ adjective, however, is usually used to describe how a person or an animal feels.

·         Sam wore a frightening mask to the Halloween party last year. (the word frightening describes the mask)

·         The frightened boy hid behind his mother when he saw the dog. (the word frightened describes how the boy feels)

b)    An ‘ed’ adjective can also be used to indicate something is already completed or someone has already done something.

·         My father bought a lot of canned drinks for the party.

    (The drinks have already been put in cans.)

Compiled from Grammar Builder Book 3

2. ‘Ing’ and ‘ed’ adjectives that have comparative and superlative forms use more and most with these forms.
• Tennis is more exciting than badminton.
• Tennis is the most exciting sport I ever played.
• The kids are more excited about the camping trip than their parents.
• The kids are the most excited about the camping trip.