ing
ing — suffix
1. added to the base form of a verb to create its present participle, which is used
added to the base form of a verb to create its present participle, which is used in progressive tenses (such as 'is running' or 'was eating'), as a verbal adjective (such as 'a sleeping baby'), or as a gerund (such as 'Swimming is fun').
The children are swimming in the lake while their parents watch from the shore.
present continuous: be + verb-ing
Hugo was reading a novel when the power suddenly went out.
past continuous: was + verb-ing
Ayesha enjoys cooking traditional dishes for her family on weekends.
The running water from the kitchen tap filled the bucket in minutes.
Putri spends hours each week practising the piano in her room.
文法句型
[verb] + ing
用法筆記
The -ing suffix is added directly to most verbs (play → playing). For verbs ending in -e, drop the e before adding -ing (make → making). For verbs with a single vowel followed by a single consonant, double the consonant (run → running, swim → swimming).
常見錯誤
ing — noun suffix
1. added to a verb to form a noun that refers to the activity, practice, or process
added to a verb to form a noun that refers to the activity, practice, or process described by that verb
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for older adults.
The building of the new hospital took nearly four years to complete.
verb-ing as noun referring to process
Regular walking can significantly improve your heart health over time.
Mira finds that painting helps her relax after a long day at work.
The teaching at Anong's school follows a very modern approach to maths.
文法句型
[verb] + ing → noun (activity)
用法筆記
Many -ing nouns formed this way are uncountable when referring to the general activity (Swimming is fun), but can become countable when referring to an instance or specific type (She took swimming lessons).
常見錯誤
2. added to a verb to form a noun that refers to the physical result, created objec
added to a verb to form a noun that refers to the physical result, created object, or product that comes from that action
A beautiful charcoal drawing of the old church hung on Dylan's wall.
The building on the corner of Elm Street has been empty for years.
verb-ing as noun referring to a structure (result of building)
Gabriel made a small wood carving of an eagle for his sister.
Shirin's painting of the sunset won first prize at the county fair.
The colourful wrapping around the gift was made of recycled paper.
文法句型
[verb] + ing → noun (product/result)
用法筆記
Distinguish from the ACTION / PROCESS sense: 'the building of the bridge' (process) vs 'the building on the corner' (physical result). The context and article usage usually make the meaning clear.
3. added to a noun to form another noun that refers to a material, covering, system
added to a noun to form another noun that refers to a material, covering, system, fitting, or equipment associated with that thing
The fresh bedding in the guest room smelled like lavender and cotton.
The old roofing on the barn was replaced after the winter storms.
noun + ing naming a covering material
Scaffolding covered the front of the museum while workers repaired the stone walls.
The plumbing in Amani's apartment building finally needed to be upgraded.
Thick cotton padding inside the jacket kept Lan warm during the mountain hike.
文法句型
[noun] + ing → noun (material/system)
用法筆記
Most nouns formed this way are uncountable (bedding, roofing, scaffolding, plumbing, padding). They describe materials or systems as general categories rather than individual items. For example, 'bedding' refers to all the sheets, blankets, and pillows together, not a single sheet.
4. added to a noun or adjective to form a noun that refers to an individual member,
added to a noun or adjective to form a noun that refers to an individual member, unit, or entity of that category or kind
The old stone cottage was a charming dwelling with a thatched roof.
Anong spotted a strange being standing among the trees in the fog.
adjective + ing → one entity of that kind
A shilling was worth twelve pennies in the old British money system.
Every dwelling on the street was surveyed and mapped by the town office.
In the story each magical being protected a different part of the forest.
文法句型
[noun/adjective] + ing → noun (individual entity)
用法筆記
This sense is more limited than the other noun suffix senses. Common examples include 'dwelling' (a place where people live), 'being' (a living creature), 'shilling' (a historical coin), and 'farthing' (a historical coin). Most of these are established nouns, not productive patterns for creating new words.