HOW TO USE THE -ING FORM IN ENGLISH

The -ing form of a word can be used like a noun, a verb or an adjective.

THE NOUN FORM OF -ING

When the -ing form is used as a noun, it modifies (or gives context to) a verb.

✓ Nohelia loves dancing. (used as an object; verb + -ing form)

[Note: If the sentence says "Nohelia loves dance", then it is talking about dance as a concept, not
as an action.)

✓ She knows a lot about dancing. (used as an object; verb + -ing form)

✓ Dancing is a good way to release stress. (used as a subject; -ing form + noun)

In all of these examples, dancing is a noun that the verb is referring to.

THE ADJECTIVE FORM OF -ING

When it is used as an adjective, the -ing form describes another noun. (-ing form + noun)

✓ That movie had a surprising twist. (surprising describes the plot twist)

✓ He's a very exciting player to watch. (exciting describes the player)

x He's a very excite player to watch.

✓ I read an inspiring book. (inspiring describes the book)

x I read an inspire book.

[Note: You could say "I read a book that inspired me."]
THE VERB FORM OF -ING

When it is used as a verb, it signals that the tense is progressive, or continuous. It is used with the
verbs "to be", or "to go". (verb + -ing form)

✓ I am walking as fast as I can! (this sentence is spoken while walking)

x I am walk as fast as I can!

✓ Alain was sitting on the bench over there. (he sat for a length of time in the past)

[Note: If you write "Alain sat on the bench over there.", it would mean he had been on the bench
at some point in his life, rather than during a specific situation/time.]

✓ She will be baking cookies tonight. (she will bake cookies for a length of time in the future)

x She will be bake cookies tonight. [Note: "She will bake cookies tonight" is fine.]

Generally, when speaking about a physical activity that you will do at a certain time, use "to go" +
the -ing form:

✓ I'm going running after class.

x I'm go run after class.

✓ Matteo goes shopping when he's stressed.

x Matteo go shop when he's stressed.

✓ David will go bowling with his cousins this weekend.