Adjectives ending in ED and ING

There are many adjectives that we have in English that end in -ED or -ING. 
Adjectives that end in -ed (e.g. bored, interested) and adjectives that end in -ing (e.g. boring, interesting) are often confused.
Yes, that's correct, they are not only endings that we use for verbs!

We use adjectives ending in ED

An adjective that ends in -ED is used to describe: a feeling (or how a person feels) or an emotion.
It is used to describe a temporary thing.

  • I was so bored in that lesson, I almost fell asleep.
  • He was surprised to see Helen after all those years.
  • She was really tired and went to bed early.
  • The boy was interested in reading. – CORRECT
  • The boy was interesting in reading. – WRONG

We use adjectives ending in ING

An adjective that ends in -ING is used to describe: the characteristic of a person, a thing or a situation that causes the emotion.

  • This film was really boring. – This film made me feel bored.
  • Her experience was really frightening. – Her experience made her feel frightened.
  • He finds the lessons tiring. – The lessons make him feel tired.
  • It was shocking news. – The news shocked us.
  • Have you seen that film? It's really frightening.
  • I could listen to her for hours. She's so interesting.
  • I can't sleep! That noise is really annoying!

Notes

Since only people (and some animals) have feelings, -ed adjectives cannot be used to describe an object or situation.
 

  • This book is bored.
  • The film is interested.

It is possible to use adjectives with -ing endings when referring to a person people or situations but be careful that you are using the correct adjective.

Compare the difference:

  • My girlfriend is bored. - (My girlfriend feels bored)
  • My girlfriend is boring. - (My girlfriend is a boring person)

For example, there is a big difference in meaning between:

  • I am confused. - (I don't understand something)
  • I am confusing. - (I will cause you to be confused)

Note that the sentences below are to highlight the difference between the two types of adjectives. They are NOT common to do or say because they sound repetitive.

  • I was shocked by how shocking the accident was last night.
  • They were frightened by the frightening roller-coaster ride!
  • I am annoyed by how annoying that person in front of us is.
  • Sally was confused by the confusing street signs in the city.

Example sentences of adjectives ending in -ED and -ING

  • This grammar lesson is boring. I am bored reading all about these grammar rules.
  • I am tired right now. My flight was tiring (because it was a twelve-hour flight).
  • Public toilets are usually disgusting. I am disgusted by the smell in some of them.
  • Your speech was very inspiring. I am now inspired to do wonderful things with my life.