-ing ending

Core Rule

The -ing ending is one of the most frequent patterns in English phonics. It represents a single sound /ɪŋ/, not /in/ plus a hard /g/. The final g is silent as a stop and functions only as part of the nasal ending.

Articulation Guide

Keep the tongue tip relaxed near the lower teeth. Raise the back of the tongue toward the soft palate. The mouth stays slightly open while air flows through the nose, creating a smooth nasal closure without releasing /g/.

Word Analysis

• spring /sprɪŋ/: the /ŋ/ tightens the ending and gives a compact finish.
• wrestling /ˈrɛslɪŋ/: the medial t is unreleased; the -ing remains a stable /ɪŋ/ sound.

Pitfalls

Do not pronounce -ing as /ɪn/. In casual speech it may reduce to -in, but standard pronunciation requires /ŋ/. Watch spelling rules such as consonant doubling: run → running.