3 Common Uses of the ING Form

The general rule when changing a verb into its ING form is just to add ING form to the end of the verb.

While it sounds like you can use the ing form for anything, there are specific ways to use it in different situations. Learn how (and when) to use the ing form of the word in the English language.

The noun form of -ing

 

We can use ing form as a noun (or gerund), examples:

• Swimming here is nice.
• Chatting.
• Travelling.
• Waking up early.
• Reading is my Hobby.
• Diving here is forbidden.
• Prying is better than sleeping.
• They have done some thinking about the work.
• He walks reading his newspaper.
• I couldn't hear her singing because of the noise.

 

See: Ask a Question in the Present Continuous Tense

The verb form of -ing

 

We can use the ing form in the continuous tenses, examples:

• He is painting.
• She was waiting.
• They will be coming.
• We would be staying.
• I would have been leaving.

The adjective form of -ing

 

We can use of ing form as an adjective, examples:

• The working women.
• The coming days.
• The crying baby.
• We arrested the escaping thief.
• I love her smiling face.
• The coming train.
• We don't go out in the burning sun.
• She is good at painting.
• I like cooking.
• We are going to the swimming pool.

 

See: The Difference Between Gerund and Continuous Tenses