In English, the present participle of a verb has several functions. It is used with compound tenses such as the present progressive and past progressive, and it can also be used as a noun. In this role it is called a gerund.
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The present participle is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb (infinitive without to).
base form |
+ ing = | present participle |
discover | discovering | |
debate | debating | |
watch | watching | |
ski | skiing |
For verbs ending with the letter –e, eliminate the –e before adding –ing.
base form |
present participle |
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joke | joking | |
assume | assuming | |
infiltrate | infiltrating | |
categorize | categorizing |
If a verb is composed of one syllable which ends with (one vowel + consonant), double the final consonant before adding -ing.
base form |
present participle |
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hit | hitting | |
rub | rubbing | |
plan | planning | |
blog | blogging |
When the verb has more than one syllable and the final syllable is stressed, the final consonant is doubled before adding -ing.
base form |
present participle |
incorrect | ||
unwrap | unwrapping | |||
compel | compelling | |||
begin | beginning | |||
forget | forgetting |
When the stress is not on the final syllable, the consonant is not doubled.
base form |
present participle |
incorrect | ||
listen | listening | |||
orbit | orbiting | |||
follow | following | |||
consider | considering |
Related lessons:
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