–ed adjectives

These are used to describe feelings and emotions. They are only used to describe people (and sometimes animals).

I am bored when I am at school.

Abraham is frightened of dogs.

She is amazed by the view.

–ing adjectives

These are used to say what caused a feeling or emotion. We can use these adjectives to describe people and things.

School is boring (So, I am bored).
               cause                 feeling

Dogs are frightening (So, Abraham is frightened of dogs).
                   cause                                     feeling

That view is amazing! (So, she is amazed).
                       cause                       feeling

Beware!!!

Learn the difference between I am bored and I am boring. This is a common mistake for Spanish speakers.

Some common participle adjectives

Exercises

1. The movie was really __________________! (interested/interesting)
2. I thought it was a good class, but I wasn't very __________________ in the topic. (interesting/interested)
3. Our town is so __________________! There is nothing to do here. (boring/bored)
4. Are you __________________ with that game already? (bored/boring)
5. Have you heard her laugh? It's so __________________. (annoyed/annoying)
6. I'm really __________________ with one of my coworkers. (annoyed/annoying)
7. I was __________________ by his joke. (amusing/amused)
8. Do you think this joke is __________________? (amusing/amused)