-ing ending

Rule Core

The -ing ending forms present participles and gerunds, expressing ongoing action or a state. Spelling follows clear patterns: add -ing directly; drop silent e before adding -ing; double the final consonant in stressed closed syllables.

Pronunciation Guide

-ing is pronounced /ɪŋ/. The tongue tip rests low, the back of the tongue rises toward the soft palate, and airflow passes through the nose without a final stop.

Word Analysis

inquiring /ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/ shows process; shaking drops the silent e; turning adds -ing directly while keeping the r sound.

Pitfalls

Avoid pronouncing /ɪŋg/ and unnecessary consonant doubling.