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GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
-ing Spelling Rules

 
 

Definition

Continuous verbs and gerunds end in "-ing" and have special spelling rules.

Example

Laura is

talking

right now.

 

talk + ing

 

Explanation

The -ing spelling rules are --

  • add "-ing" to the verb.
  • when a verb ends in "e", drop the "e" and add "-ing". For example: "take + ing = taking".
  • when a one-syllable verb ends in vowel + consonant, double the final consonant and add "-ing". For example: "hit + ing = hitting".
  • When a verb ends in vowel + consonant with stress on the final syllable, double the consonant and add "-ing". For example: "begin + ing = beginning".
  • Do not double the consonant of words with more than one syllable if the stress is not on the final syllable. For example: "remember" has three syllables -- re:mém:ber -- and the stress is on the second syllable. Therefore do not add another consonant -- "remembering".

Related Sections

-ed Spelling Rules
Gerunds
Past Continuous
Present Continuous
Syllables and Stress

 
   
     
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