-ing forms are sometimes used as present participles. Sometimes they are used as adjectives.
When they are used as adjectives, they modify a noun. When they are used as present participles, they help form continuous tense forms.
Read the following sentences and state whether the –ing form is used as an adjective or a present participle.
1. It might seem surprising but I don’t enjoy cricket.
2. It is a baffling situation.
3. The movie was very interesting.
4. The news was exciting.
5. How long have you been waiting?
6. The dog is chasing the cat.
7. Barking dogs seldom bite.
8. Her performance was enthralling.
Answers
1. a) Surprising is used as an adjective. (It modifies the copular verb seem. Note that copular verbs are modified by adjectives, not adverbs.)
2. a) Baffling is used as an adjective. (It modifies the noun situation.)
3. a) Interesting is used as an adjective.
4. a) Exciting is used as an adjective.
5. b) Waiting is used as a present participle. (It helps form the present continuous tense form.)
6. b) Chasing is used as a present participle.
7. a) Barking is used as an adjective.
8. a) Enthralling is used as an adjective.
