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Participles as Modifiers

Present participle (-ing) vs past participle (-ed) as adjectives — a TOEFL favorite.

Present Participle (-ing): describes what causes a feeling or is ongoing

  • The presentation was *interesting*. (It caused interest.)
  • The *growing* market attracts investors.

    • Past Participle (-ed): describes the receiver of a feeling or completed state

  • The audience was *interested*. (They felt interest.)
  • The *revised* proposal was submitted.

    • Common Pairs:

    -ing (원인/능동)-ed (결과/수동)
    surprisingsurprised
    disappointingdisappointed
    satisfyingsatisfied
    confusingconfused
    excitingexcited

    Examples

    TOEFL Tip:

    Things are -ing (boring movie). People feel -ed (bored audience). But people can also be -ing if they cause the feeling!