keep name -ing

Core Rule

Keep-the-base ‑ing means adding ‑ing without changing the original spelling of the base. It applies when the verb does not end in a silent e and does not require consonant doubling. Phonetically, ‑ing forms a stable nasal ending /ɪŋ/ without altering the base vowel.

Articulation Guide

/ɪ/ is a short lax vowel with a relaxed, slightly open mouth; /ŋ/ is a velar nasal—raise the back of the tongue to the soft palate and let air flow through the nose, no release.

Word Analysis

handwriting = hand + write + ing. The suffix functions nominally; stress remains earlier, and the ending closes cleanly with /ɪŋ/.

Pitfalls

Do not insert extra letters or pronounce /ŋ/ as /nɡ/.