-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.
a) Surprising is used as an adjective.
b) Surprising is used as a present participle.
2. It is a baffling situation.
a) Baffling is used as an adjective.
b) Baffling is used as a present participle.
3. The movie was very interesting.
a) Interesting is used as an adjective.
b) Interesting is used as a present participle.
4. The news was exciting.
a) Exciting is used as an adjective.
b) Exciting is used as a present participle.
5. How long have you been waiting?
a) Waiting is used as an adjective.
b) Waiting is used as a present participle.
6. The dog is chasing the cat.
a) Chasing is used as an adjective.
b) Chasing is used as a present participle.
7. Barking dogs seldom bite.
a) Barking is used as an adjective.
b) Barking is used as a present participle.
8. Her performance was enthralling.
a) Enthralling is used as an adjective.
b) Enthralling is used as a present participle.
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.
