Contents
Present Participle Adjective Masterclass
This lesson helps us understand what a present participle adjective is and how to use it correctly in a sentence.
What is a Present participle adjective?
A present participle adjective is an ING form of a verb (V1+ING) that functions as an adjective.
- It is a growing company.
The word ‘growing’ is modifying the noun ‘company’. It is a present participle that’s working as an adjective; it is telling us the state of the company.
Examples:
- Everyone is here to see the burning train.
- India is one of the developing countries in the world.
- Look at the shinning car. It must be very expensive.
- That was an inspiring speech. We all loved it.
- You have put me in this confusing situation.
- A smiling man is better than a crying man.
- The movie was boring. Nobody liked it.
- This entire situation is a bit overwhelming to me.
NOTA: Un participio presente también viene después del objeto de algunos verbos (generalmente verbos de percepción como ver, mirar, escuchar, observar, etc.)
- We saw him eating your lunch.
- I heard her from her crying
Position of a Present participle adjective
A present participle adjective can take the following positions in a sentence:
- Just before the noun it modifies
- After a linking verb
- Just after the noun it modifies
We study all cases separately.
1. Just before the noun
This is the most common position of a present participle adjective. The present participle, here, sits just before a noun and gives information about it.
Examples:
- I appreciate the encouraging words.
- The swimming pool is closed today.
- I can’t do a teaching job.
- It was an amazing match.
2. After a linking verb
Esta es también una posición común donde se coloca un adjetivo de participio presente en una oración.
Examples:
- The fight coming up is really interesting.
- You are outstanding.
- This book is interesting. You should give it a read.
- His story is very motivating.
- This job should be exciting.
3. After a noun it modifies
Cuando un adjetivo de participio presente viene justo después de un sustantivo, a menudo es parte de una frase de participio presente.
Examples:
- The man shouting there is my cousin.
- Look at the guy sitting next to the tree.
- The girl dancing on the stage is my sister.
- People working with me are happy.
- Nobody likes to talk with the man sitting on the rock alone.
Present participles that are often used as adjectives
- Shocking
- Demotivating
- Tiring
- Exhausting
- Terrifying
- Petrifying
- Frightening
- Confusing
- Frustrating
- Embarrassing
- Depressing
- Boring
- Exciting
- Thrilling
- Motivating
- Inspiring
- Amusing
- Overwhelming
- Relaxing
- Satisfying
- Amazing
- Interesting
Examples:
- His story is shocking.
- The book is really motivating.
- That was one demotivating speech.
- It was a tiring day.
- Doing this job can be exhausting.
- We can’t forget those petrifying visuals.
- Talking to her again will be really embarrassing for me.
- The movie that we watched last night was very depressing.
- This case is getting confusing.
- What an exciting match it was!
- Your story is really inspiring.
- Watching kids play is so satisfying.
- Do you find it amusing?
