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Are you interested, or interesting?

What’s the difference?

Today, in #10 of our countdown of the Top 15 Fixes in English series, we’ll be discussing when to use the -ed and -ing endings! 

To be interested is not the same as being interesting. The same applies to other English phrases such as bored and boring, or excited and exciting. Here is a general rule to help you remember the difference:

• When talking about yourself or your feelings, use the –ed ending. "I am interested in music."
• When talking about others or something outside yourself, use the –ing ending. "That music is interesting."

Here are some more examples:

• "She's excited by travel."
• "Travel is exciting."
• "They're bored by soccer."
• "Soccer is boring."

Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:

• Episode 165: Listen or Hear?
• Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say?
• Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope
• Episode 177: Talking About Age in English
• Episode 181: Future Tense in English

What do you find interesting, boring or amazing?

What isn’t interesting, boring or amazing?

Tell us in the comments section below!

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