-ing Form - Adult ESL Resources

Adding -ing

One form, built the same way, does three different jobs.

The -ing form adds -ing to a verb’s base form. Once built, this single form can build a continuous tense, act as a gerund that functions like a noun, or act as a present participle that functions like an adjective.

In She is working from home., working combines with is to build a continuous tense. In Working from home suits her., the same form, working, acts as the subject of the sentence, functioning like a noun.

This lesson covers how to spell the -ing form correctly, and the three jobs it can do.

Before you begin

The -ing form is one of five topics on verb forms.

This lesson focuses on the -ing form specifically. Verb forms as a whole include four other topics, each covered in its own lesson.

If you would like an overview of verb forms in general, begin with the Verb Forms page.

Verb Forms

The central idea

The same -ing form can act as a verb, or as a noun.

Compare two sentences using the same -ing form in different roles.

Part of a continuous tense

She is working from home.

Acting like a noun

Working from home suits her.

The useful question is: what job is working doing in this sentence?

In the first sentence, working pairs with is to describe an ongoing action. In the second, it stands alone as the subject, functioning the way a noun would.

Spelling rules

Most verbs simply add -ing, with a few small adjustments.

Most verbs → add -ing directly: work → working

Verbs ending in a silent e → drop the e: make → making

Short verbs ending consonant-vowel-consonant → double the final consonant: run → running, stop → stopping

Verbs ending in -ie → change to -y: lie → lying

Three jobs the -ing form does

The same form can act as a verb, a noun, or an adjective.

Building a continuous tense

She is working from home.

Combined with a form of be, the -ing form shows an action in progress.

Acting as a gerund

She enjoys working from home.

Here, working functions like a noun, as the object of the verb enjoys.

Acting as a present participle

The working group meets weekly.

Here, working describes the noun group, functioning like an adjective.

Going further with gerunds and infinitives

Some verbs prefer the -ing form; others prefer an infinitive.

Choosing between a gerund and a to infinitive after certain verbs, such as enjoy versus want, is covered in its own section.

Gerunds & Infinitives

A useful decision guide

Ask what job the -ing form is doing in the sentence.

Does a form of be appear alongside it?

If so, it is likely part of a continuous tense.

Is it functioning as a subject or object?

If so, it is acting as a gerund.

Is it describing a noun?

If so, it is acting as a present participle.

Does the base verb need a spelling adjustment before adding -ing?

Check for a silent e, a doubled consonant, or an -ie ending.

Common mistakes

Spelling and missing auxiliary verbs are the most frequent slips.

A silent e is dropped before -ing.

Not: She is makeing dinner.

Correct: She is making dinner.

A short verb’s final consonant is doubled.

Not: She is stoping at the shop.

Correct: She is stopping at the shop.

The -ing form does not stand alone as the only verb.

Not: She working from home today.

Correct: She is working from home today.

Used to build a tense, the -ing form always needs a form of be alongside it.

Check your understanding

Which spelling is correct for each -ing form?

Choose the correct answer for each verb.

run + -ing

runing running

write + -ing

writeing writing

Swimming is her favorite hobby. What job is “swimming” doing?

Part of a continuous tense Gerund, acting as a noun

Choose the best explanation

Select the sentence that explains the mistake correctly.

Why is “She working from home today.” not correctly formed?

a) The -ing form needs a form of “be” alongside it to build a complete tense. b) “Working” should be “works”. c) “Today” should come first in the sentence.

Why is “She is stoping at the shop.” not correctly spelled?

a) “Stop” is an irregular verb. b) “Stop” is a short verb ending in consonant-vowel-consonant, so its final consonant should double. c) “Shop” should be “shops”.

Quick review

The -ing form can build a tense, act as a noun, or act as an adjective.

Most verbs simply add -ing; verbs with a silent e drop it, short verbs double their final consonant, and verbs ending in -ie change to -y.

Combined with a form of be, the -ing form builds a continuous tense.

Standing alone as a subject or object, it acts as a gerund, functioning like a noun.

Describing a noun directly, it acts as a present participle, functioning like an adjective.

Remember

Check the spelling first, then check the job it is doing.

Confirm the -ing form is spelled correctly, then look at what surrounds it to decide whether it is building a tense, acting as a noun, or acting as an adjective.