Adjetivos: -ed vs. -ing (Sentimiento vs. Causa)
feeling, cause, perspective.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -ed for how you feel and -ing for the thing or person that makes you feel that way.
- Use -ed to describe an internal emotion or state, like 'I am bored' (max 20 words).
- Use -ing to describe the characteristic of a thing, like 'The movie is boring'.
- People can be both: 'He is bored' (feeling) vs 'He is boring' (personality).
Overview
-ed y -ing.¡Pero si ambos se traducen parecido en español!. Y tienes razón, ahí es donde reside la trampa. En nuestro idioma, a menudo usamos la misma palabra o dependemos totalmente de los verbos
ser y estar para marcar la diferencia.to be), sino en el sufijo del adjetivo.I am boring. En tu mente, quizá quieres decir que estás aburrido de la situación, pero lo que acabas de decir es que *tú eres una persona aburrida*.causa y experiencia.to interest (interesar), to tire (cansar) o to shock (conmocionar).- 1El Participio de Presente (
-ing): La Causa (Activo)
-ing a uno de estos verbos, estamos creando un adjetivo que describe la fuente de la emoción. Es decir, describe la característica de algo o alguien que provoca un sentimiento en los demás.- Regla de oro: El adjetivo en
-ingresponde a la pregunta:¿Cómo es esa cosa/persona?
. - Si una película causa aburrimiento, la película es
boring. - Si un trabajo causa agotamiento, el trabajo es
exhausting.
- 1El Participio de Pasado (
-ed): El Experimentador (Pasivo)
-ed, estamos describiendo a la persona (o animal) que recibe o siente esa emoción. Es un estado interno.- Regla de oro: El adjetivo en
-edresponde a la pregunta:¿Cómo se siente esa persona?
. - Si yo recibo el aburrimiento de la película, yo estoy
bored. - Si yo siento el agotamiento del trabajo, yo estoy
exhausted.
La película es aburrida(característica/causa) y
Yo estoy aburrido(estado/sentimiento). El inglés, al no tener esa distinción tan marcada entre
to be (ser) y to be (estar), traslada esa responsabilidad a la terminación del adjetivo.-ing | Ser + adjetivo (ej. Es interesante) |-ed | Estar + participio (ej. Estoy interesado) |Ser vs. Estar te ayudará mucho a visualizar la diferencia de significado.- Regla general: Simplemente añade el sufijo al verbo.
shock(conmocionar) →shocking/shocked.- Verbos terminados en
-emuda: Eliminamos la-eantes de añadir-ing, y solo añadimos la-dpara el participio pasado. excite(emocionar) →exciting/excited.- Verbos con estructura Consonante-Vocal-Consonante (CVC): Si el acento cae en la última sílaba, duplicamos la consonante final.
stun(aturdir/asombrar) →stunning/stunned.- Verbos terminados en
-y: Para el-ingse mantiene la-y, pero para el-edse cambia por-i. worry(preocupar) →worrying/worried.
-ing (La Causa) | Adjetivo -ed (El Sentimiento) | Ejemplo de contraste |Amaze | Amazing (Increíble) | Amazed (Asombrado) | The view is amazing; I am amazed. |Annoy | Annoying (Molesto) | Annoyed (Molesto/Enfadado) | His habit is annoying; she is annoyed. |Bore | Boring (Aburrido) | Bored (Aburrido) | A boring book makes me feel bored. |Confuse | Confusing (Confuso) | Confused (Confundido) | The map is confusing; we are confused. |Depress | Depressing (Deprimente) | Depressed (Deprimido) | Rainy days are depressing; he feels depressed. |Disappoint | Disappointing (Decepcionante) | Disappointed (Decepcionado) | The news was disappointing; they were disappointed. |Excite | Exciting (Emocionante) | Excited (Entusiasmado) | An exciting trip makes me feel excited. |Exhaust | Exhausting (Agotador) | Exhausted (Agotado) | Marathons are exhausting; the runner is exhausted. |Fascinate | Fascinating (Fascinante) | Fascinated (Fascinado) | Space is fascinating; scientists are fascinated. |Frustrate | Frustrating (Frustrante) | Frustrated (Frustrado) | Slow internet is frustrating; I am frustrated. |Inspire | Inspiring (Inspirador) | Inspired (Inspirado) | An inspiring speech leaves us feeling inspired. |Overwhelm | Overwhelming (Abrumador) | Overwhelmed (Abrumado) | Too much work is overwhelming; I feel overwhelmed. |Relax | Relaxing (Relajante) | Relaxed (Relajado) | Jazz is relaxing; I feel relaxed listening to it. |Satisfy | Satisfying (Satisfactorio) | Satisfied (Satisfecho) | A satisfying meal leaves the guests satisfied. |Terrify | Terrifying (Terrorífico) | Terrified (Aterrorizado) | A terrifying movie makes the kids terrified. |Thrill | Thrilling (Apasionante) | Thrilled (Emocionado/Encantado) | The win was thrilling; we were thrilled. |un- o dis-. Por ejemplo: uninspired (no inspirado), unimpressed (no impresionado) o dissatisfied (insatisfecho). Es importante aprenderlos en pareja para ampliar tu vocabulario.-ed)-ed cuando quieras hablar de lo que pasa dentro de la cabeza o el corazón de alguien. Como las sillas, las mesas o los informes no tienen sentimientos, casi siempre usarás -ed con personas o animales.I was quite puzzled by the manager's decision. (Yo sentí la confusión).My dog gets frightened during thunderstorms. (El perro experimenta el miedo).We were shocked when we heard the news. (Nosotros recibimos la impresión).-ing)-ing para describir las características de algo. Aquí no importa el sentimiento, sino la naturaleza de lo que estamos describiendo.The plot twist was really surprising. (La trama causó la sorpresa).Visiting Tokyo was a fascinating experience. (La experiencia tuvo esa cualidad).The final exam was exhausting. (El examen fue el origen del cansancio).My teacher is interesting.My teacher is interested in my project.I am boring, le estás diciendo a la otra persona que eres alguien aburrido, sin chispa. Si lo que quieres es decir que te estás aburriendo en la fiesta, debes decir I am bored.She is an inspiring woman.(Ella inspira a otros; es una líder).She is inspired by nature.(Ella siente inspiración cuando ve la naturaleza).
interferencia del español (L1 transfer). Vamos a analizarlos para que tú no caigas en ellos.Cosa con SentimientosThe book is bored.El libro es aburrido. Como
aburrido termina en «-o», a veces lo asociamos inconscientemente con el participio pasado.The book is boring.Excited con ExcitingExcited en inglés significa entusiasmado o emocionado.The football match was very excited.The match was exciting. Los fans son los que están excited.excitado tiene una connotación sexual. En inglés, excited es la palabra estándar para entusiasmado (ir a Disney, ganar la lotería, ver a un amigo). No tengas miedo de usarla, pero úsala bien.Linking Verbs)I frustrated with the results.I am frustrated o I feel frustrated.Tired vs Tiring: El dilema del cansanciocansado nos sirve para todo.Estoy cansado(Sentimiento).El trabajo es cansado
(Causa - aunque lo correcto seríacansadoroagotador, en el habla cotidiana usamoscansado).
I am tired.The job is tiring.(Nunca digasThe job is tired).
-ing | It is boring. (Es aburrido) |-ed | I am bored. (Estoy aburrido) |-ing vs. Presente Continuo- Presente Continuo (Acción):
The news is disturbing me.(Las noticias me están perturbando en este momento - es una acción). - Adjetivo (Cualidad):
The news is disturbing.(Las noticias son perturbadoras - es una descripción de su naturaleza).
Surprising(Causa) →Surprised(Sentimiento)Astonishing(Causa extrema) →Astonished(Sentimiento extremo)
-ed?a complicated issue (un asunto complicado) o a balanced diet (una dieta equilibrada).I am interesting?I am interested (in something).scary y scared?scary no termine en -ing.A scary movie: La película da miedo (causa).I am scared: Yo tengo miedo (sentimiento).
-ed/-ing al pie de la letra.confusing cuando quieres decir confused no es solo un error de pronunciación o gramática, es un error de concepto que demuestra que aún no controlas cómo el inglés organiza el mundo. Dominarlo te da una imagen de mucha más competencia lingüística.¿Quién es el culpable del sentimiento?Si es la cosa, ponle
-ing. ¿Quién está sufriendo o disfrutando el sentimiento?Si es la persona, ponle
-ed. ¡Así de sencillo!Verb to Adjective Transformation
| Base Verb | -ed Adjective (Feeling) | -ing Adjective (Cause) |
|---|---|---|
|
Amaze
|
Amazed
|
Amazing
|
|
Bore
|
Bored
|
Boring
|
|
Confuse
|
Confused
|
Confusing
|
|
Disappoint
|
Disappointed
|
Disappointing
|
|
Excite
|
Excited
|
Exciting
|
|
Fascinate
|
Fascinated
|
Fascinating
|
|
Interest
|
Interested
|
Interesting
|
|
Relax
|
Relaxed
|
Relaxing
|
|
Satisfy
|
Satisfied
|
Satisfying
|
|
Tire
|
Tired
|
Tiring
|
Meanings
Participial adjectives are adjectives derived from verbs that describe either the person experiencing an emotion or the thing causing it.
Internal States (-ed)
Describes the person who is experiencing the emotion or physical state.
“She felt exhausted after the marathon.”
“Are you worried about the exam?”
External Characteristics (-ing)
Describes the thing, situation, or person that triggers the emotion.
“The marathon was exhausting.”
“The exam results were worrying.”
Personality Traits
Using -ing to describe a person's permanent character rather than a temporary feeling.
“He is a very interesting professor.”
“Don't be so annoying!”
Reference Table
| Tipo de Adjetivo | Qué describe | Sujeto típico | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Adjetivo -ed
|
Cómo se siente alguien
|
Personas o animales
|
I am `bored`.
|
|
Adjetivo -ing
|
Qué causa el sentimiento
|
Cosas, situaciones o personas
|
The book is `boring`.
|
Espectro de formalidad
I was utterly exhausted by the proceedings. (Work/Energy levels)
I was very tired after the meeting. (Work/Energy levels)
I was totally wiped out. (Work/Energy levels)
I'm beat / I'm knackered. (Work/Energy levels)
Adjetivos -ED vs. -ING: La Idea Central
Adjetivos -ED
- Bored Describes a personal feeling or reaction.
- Excited Focuses on the subject's emotional state.
- Tired Applies to people (and sometimes animals).
Adjetivos -ING
- Boring Describes the characteristic of something that causes a feeling.
- Exciting Focuses on the quality of a thing, person, or situation.
- Tiring Applies to things, situations, or people causing the emotion.
Sentimiento (-ED) vs. Causa (-ING)
Eligiendo Adjetivos -ED o -ING
¿El adjetivo describe un estado emocional?
¿El adjetivo describe qué *causa* un estado emocional?
Pares Comunes -ED vs. -ING
Sentimiento (-ED)
- • Bored
- • Excited
- • Interested
- • Tired
- • Annoyed
- • Confused
- • Surprised
- • Frustrated
Causa (-ING)
- • Boring
- • Exciting
- • Interesting
- • Tiring
- • Annoying
- • Confusing
- • Surprising
- • Frustrating
Ejemplos por nivel
I am tired.
The book is boring.
Are you happy or bored?
This game is exciting!
She was surprised by the gift.
The news was very surprising.
I don't like this movie; it's frightening.
The frightened cat hid under the bed.
I'm interested in learning more about history.
History is an interesting subject.
We were exhausted after the long flight.
The 12-hour flight was exhausting.
The results of the study were quite disappointing.
The disappointed fans left the stadium early.
It's an annoying habit, but he's a good person.
I get so annoyed when people talk during movies.
The sheer scale of the project was overwhelming.
I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work.
His performance was nothing short of captivating.
The audience sat captivated throughout the play.
The witness gave a harrowing account of the accident.
She was visibly harrowed by the experience.
The intricate plot was incredibly involving.
The reader becomes deeply involved in the characters' lives.
Fácil de confundir
Learners think 'I am boring' is always the verb 'to bore'.
Both use the past participle (-ed).
Some words like 'scary' exist alongside 'scaring'.
Errores comunes
I am very boring.
I am very bored.
The movie is bored.
The movie is boring.
I am exciting!
I am excited!
It was a tired day.
It was a tiring day.
Are you interesting in music?
Are you interested in music?
The news was shocked.
The news was shocking.
I am confusing.
I am confused.
I was disappointing with the service.
I was disappointed with the service.
The lesson was so bored.
The lesson was so boring.
He is an interested person.
He is an interesting person.
The situation was quite embarrassed.
The situation was quite embarrassing.
I felt very satisfying after the meal.
I felt very satisfied after the meal.
The results were amazed.
The results were amazing.
Patrones de oraciones
I am ___ (-ed) because the ___ is ___ (-ing).
The most ___ (-ing) thing about my job is ___.
I was ___ (-ed) to hear that the situation was so ___ (-ing).
Never have I been so ___ (-ed) by such a ___ (-ing) performance.
Real World Usage
The plot was confusing, but the acting was amazing.
I am very interested in your company's mission.
I am very disappointed with the quality of this product.
This sunset is so inspiring! #blessed
I've been feeling very tired and exhausted lately.
The findings were surprising, given the initial hypothesis.
The view from the top was breathtaking and exciting.
I had a really interesting time tonight; you're a fascinating person.
Pregunta: ¿Causa o Sentimiento?
Is the movie exciting?
¡No te insultes!
I am bored right now.
Sujeto y adjetivo
He is excited about it.
Emociones en inglés
I feel frustrated with this.
Smart Tips
Default to -ed. It is much more common to talk about your feelings than to describe yourself as a 'source' of something.
Always use -ing. These things don't have brains, so they can't have -ed feelings.
Replace 'good' or 'bad' with specific participial adjectives like 'captivating', 'harrowing', or 'stunning'.
Remember the preposition 'in'. It's almost always 'interested in [something]'.
Pronunciación
-ed endings
The -ed can be pronounced as /t/, /d/, or /ɪd/. For example, 'relaxed' ends in /t/, 'tired' in /d/, and 'excited' in /ɪd/.
-ing nasal
The 'g' in -ing is usually not a hard 'g'. It's a soft nasal sound /ŋ/.
Emphasis on the adjective
That was SO boring! (Arrow up on SO)
Conveys strong emotion or exaggeration.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
ED is for the End-user of the feeling. ING is for the Initiator of the feeling.
Asociación visual
Imagine a battery. The -ING is the charger (the thing giving the energy/feeling), and the -ED is the phone (the thing receiving the energy/feeling).
Rhyme
If it's how you feel, -ED is the deal. If it's what you see, -ING it must be!
Story
Ed was a very tired man. He had a very tiring job at the 'Ing' factory. Every day, the 'Ing' machines made an annoying sound, which made Ed feel very annoyed. By the end of the day, Ed was exhausted because the work was exhausting.
Word Web
Desafío
Look around the room. Find one thing that is 'interesting' and explain why you are 'interested' in it out loud.
Notas culturales
Brits often use 'knackered' (slang for exhausted) or 'gutted' (slang for very disappointed).
Americans frequently use 'bummed' or 'bummed out' for disappointed.
In international business, using 'challenging' instead of 'difficult' or 'annoying' is seen as more positive and professional.
These forms derive from the Old English present participle (-ende) and past participle (-ed/-en).
Inicios de conversación
What is the most exciting place you have ever visited?
Tell me about a time you were very embarrassed.
What kind of books do you find most interesting?
Have you ever been disappointed by a movie you expected to be great?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
The new video game is incredibly ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
I am boring of this long meeting.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El viaje fue agotador y nos sentimos agotados.'
Answer starts with: ["T...
Score: /4
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesI was so ___ when I heard the news.
This lesson is so ___; I'm almost asleep.
Find and fix the mistake:
Are you interesting in going to the museum?
The marathon exhausted the runners. -> The runners were ___.
1. A frightening dog / 2. A confusing map / 3. An exciting trip
I am a very ___ worker and I'm always ___ to learn new things.
A: Did you see the documentary? B: Yes, it was ___. I was ___ by the photography.
'The news was very disappointed.'
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesShe was really ___ after the long flight.
This horror movie is genuinely ___.
The news about the exam results was worried.
I find his constant complaining very frustrated.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Me siento avergonzado por mi error embarazoso.'
Translate into English: 'Su entusiasmo fue contagioso, y pronto nos sentimos entusiasmados.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the adjectives with what they describe:
The documentary about ancient civilizations was truly ___.
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /13
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Yes! If you say `He is boring`, you are describing his personality—he makes other people feel bored. If you say `He is bored`, you are describing his current feeling.
Yes, you can use `very`, `quite`, `extremely`, or `really` with participial adjectives (e.g., `very interested`). This is a good way to tell them apart from verbs.
Some do not. For example, we use `scary` more often than `scaring`, though `scared` is common for the feeling.
Because `tired` is your feeling. `Tiring` would mean you are the one making other people sleepy!
No, `fun` is a regular adjective. We don't say `funned` or `funning` in this way.
Both are -ed adjectives, but `exhausted` is much stronger. It means `extremely tired`.
No. In English, -ing adjectives describe the source. If you want to use a verb for a feeling, you'd use the continuous tense: `I am hurting` (not a participial adjective).
It can be a verb (`This is interesting me`), but it is much more commonly used as an adjective.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
ser/estar + aburrido
English changes the adjective ending; Spanish changes the 'to be' verb.
intéressant / intéressé
The logic is almost identical, making it easy for French speakers.
Partizip I / Partizip II
German adjectives also require case endings (e.g., ein langweilig-er Film).
~te iru / specific adjectives
Japanese doesn't use a simple suffix change on a single root word.
Ism al-Fa'il / Ism al-Maful
The words are formed through complex root patterns rather than simple suffixes.
Modifier + Noun / Feeling verbs
No morphological change (no suffixes) in Chinese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Videos relacionados
03:09 "Are You Not Entertained?" Movie Clip - Gladiator (2000)
04:01 FIGHT CLUB Clip - "Plane" (1999) Brad Pitt
03:31 Elaine's Dancing | The Little Kicks | Seinfeld
Adjetivos -ED y -ING en inglés | Amigos Ingleses
Amigos Ingleses
Adjetivos terminados en ED e ING en Inglés
Francisco Ochoa Inglés Fácil
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