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.

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.

NOTE: A present participle also comes after the object of some verbs (generally verbs of perception like see, watch, hear, observe, etc)

• We saw him eating your lunch.
• I heard her crying.

Position of a Present participle adjective

A present participle adjective can take the following positions in a sentence:

1. Just before the noun it modifies
2. After a linking verb
3. Just after the noun it modifies

Let’s study all the cases separately.

1. Just before the noun

This is the most common position of a present participle adjective. The present participle, here, sits right 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

This is also a common position where a present participle adjective is placed in a sentence.

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

When a present participle adjective comes right after a noun, it is often a part of a present participle phrase.

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 embarrsing 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?

Also, check out this post on past participle adjectives.