Participles as Adjectives

Participles as adjectives

Participles can function as adjectives in English. They are often used to describe the state or feelings of a person or thing. The present participle (ending in -ing) usually describes the action or quality that causes the feeling, while the past participle (ending in -ed) usually describes the person or thing that experiences the feeling.

1. When Do We Use Participles as Adjectives

Present Participles (-ing) as Adjectives:

  • Used to describe the thing or situation that causes the feeling.
    • The movie was really interesting. (The movie caused interest.)
    • The book is boring. (The book causes boredom.)
       

Past Participles (-ed) as Adjectives:

  • Used to describe the feeling or state of a person or thing after an action.
    • I was interested in the movie. (I felt interested.)
    • She was bored during the lecture. (She felt bored.)

2. Forming the Participles as Adjectives

Present participles are formed by adding ing to the verb. They describe the action or thing that causes the feeling.

  • Exciting (from excite), surprising (from surprise), amazing (from amaze).
    • The film is exciting.
    • The news was surprising.


Past participles are formed by adding ed to regular verbs. They describe the state or feeling of a person or thing.

  • Bored (from bore), interested (from interest), tired (from tire).
    • I felt bored after the meeting.
    • She was interested in the proposal.

3. Examples

  • Present Participles as Adjectives:
    • The exciting match kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
    • His boring presentation made me feel sleepy.
    • The amazing view took my breath away.
    • The surprising news shocked everyone.
       
  • Past Participles as Adjectives:
    • I felt bored after the long trip.
    • She was interested in the new project.
    • He felt tired after working all day.
    • They were frustrated by the delay.
Scroll to Top