Are you interested, or interesting?
What’s the difference between “interested” and “interesting” in English?
Today, in #10 of our countdown of the Top 15 Fixes in English series, we’ll be discussing when to use the -ed and -ing endings!
To be interested is not the same as being interesting. The same applies to other English phrases such as bored and boring, or excited and exciting. Here is a general rule to help you remember the difference:
- When talking about yourself or your feelings, use the –ed ending. “I am interested in music.”
- When talking about others or something outside yourself, use the –ing ending. “That music is interesting.”
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Here are some more examples:
- “She’s excited by travel.”
- “Travel is exciting.”
- “They’re bored by soccer.”
- “Soccer is boring.”
Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:
- Episode 165: Listen or Hear?
- Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say?
- Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope
- Episode 177: Talking About Age in English
- Episode 181: Future Tense in English
What do you find interesting, boring or amazing?
What isn’t interesting, boring or amazing?
Tell us in the comments section below!