SPELLING RULES -ING

Gerunds Verb

The following is a guide to the correct spelling of –ing forms of verbs and gerunds.

Infinitive ING formto feel feelingto go goingto work workingto sleep sleeping

The general rule when changing a verb into its -ING form is just to add -ING to the end of the verb.

•She isn't feeling very well.•He is working on a new project.•The children are sleeping so be quiet.

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formto live livingto have havingto make makingto take taking

1) If the verb ends in an E we remove the E and add ING

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formto stop stoppingto sit sittingto plan planningto get gettingto swim swimming

2) If the verb ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant, we double the final consonant and add ING

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formto fix fixingto enjoy enjoyingto snow snowing

3) But, we do not double the final consonant when the verb ends in W, X or Y or when the final syllable is not emphasized.

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formto happen happeningto enter enteringto offer offeringto suffer suffering

4) If a two-syllable verb ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant, we do not double the final consonant when the stress is on the first syllable.

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formto lie lyingto die dyingto tie tying

5) If the verb ends in IE we change it to YING

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive

ING form(UK)

ING form(US)

to travel travelling traveling

to marvel marvelling

marveling

6) If the verb ends in consonant + vowel + L, we normally double the final L and add ING.

Note: In the United States (US) they do not double the L when the accent is on the first syllable.

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formrefer referringdefer deferring

7) If the verb ends in a stressed vowel + R, we double the final R and add ING.

Spelling exceptions

Infinitive ING formto offer offeringto suffer sufferingto whisper whispering

If the verb ends in an unstressed vowel + R, we do not double the final R and add ING.

Answers

1. camping

2. swimming

3. travelling

4. walking

5. having

6. writing

7. cooking

8. shopping

Add the -ing

1. camp ______________

2. swim______________

3. travel______________

4. walk ______________

5. have ______________

6. write ______________

7. cook ______________

8. shop ______________

Answers

1. His dad and brother are cycling to the shops.

2. We aren´t travelling in Japan.

3. I am sunbathing on the beach.

4. She isn´t watching TV.

5. They aren´t swimming in the sea.

6. Sue is staying at home today.

Complete the sentences

1. His dad and brother ________(cycle) to the shops.

2. We __________ (not travel) in Japan.

3. I __________ (sunbathe) on the beach.

4. She __________ (not watch) TV.

5. They __________ (not swim) in the sea.

6. Sue __________ (stay) at home today.

Answers

1. Is your dad working today?

Yes, he is.

2. Are you having a good time on holiday?

Yes, I have.

3. Is your mum cooking dinner now?

Yes, she is.

4. Are your friends playing football?

Yes, they are.

Write the questions and the short answers

1. your dad / work / today /?

_____________________________

Yes, _________________________

2. you / have a good time / on holiday / ?

_____________________________

Yes, _________________________

3. your mum / cook dinner / now / ?

_____________________________

Yes, _________________________

4. your friends / play football / ?

_____________________________

Yes, _________________________

1. Where are you going on holiday ?

2. What is he cooking for dinner?

3. Who is going to England?

4. Where are you staying?

Complete the dialogues

1. a. I´m going / holiday.

b. Where ______________ ?

2. a. He´s cooking / dinner.

b. What ______________ ?

3. a. My sister is going to England.

b. Who ______________ ?

4. a. We are staying in a hotel.

b. Where ______________ ?