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π Understanding -ing and -ed Suffixes
Suffixes are like little word endings we add to change a word's meaning. The suffixes '-ing' and '-ed' are super common, especially when we talk about verbs (action words!). Let's explore what they do!
π A Little History
The use of '-ing' to show ongoing actions and '-ed' to show completed actions developed over many centuries in the English language. Understanding their origins helps us use them correctly today!
π Key Principles
- πββοΈ -ing: This suffix usually means an action is happening right now, or is ongoing. Think of it as 'in progress'. Example: 'The dog is running.'
- π°οΈ -ed: This suffix typically means an action has already happened in the past. It's finished! Example: 'The girl jumped high.'
- βοΈ Spelling Changes: Sometimes, you need to change the spelling of a word a little bit before adding '-ing' or '-ed'. For example, 'bake' becomes 'baking' (drop the 'e') and 'hop' becomes 'hopped' (double the 'p').
π Real-World Examples
Let's look at some sentences and see how '-ing' and '-ed' change the meaning:
| Sentence | -ing Form | -ed Form |
|---|---|---|
| The boy plays. | The boy is playing. (Happening now) | The boy played. (Happened in the past) |
| The bird sings. | The bird is singing. (Happening now) | The bird sang. (Happened in the past) |
| The cat jumps. | The cat is jumping. (Happening now) | The cat jumped. (Happened in the past) |
βοΈ Practice Quiz
Choose the correct form of the verb with either '-ing' or '-ed'.
- The children are _______ (paint) a picture.
- Yesterday, we _______ (walk) to school.
- The baby is _______ (sleep) soundly.
- She _______ (dance) at the party last night.
- The baker is _______ (bake) a cake.
Answer Key: 1. painting, 2. walked, 3. sleeping, 4. danced, 5. baking
π‘ Conclusion
Understanding '-ing' and '-ed' helps you understand when things are happening in a story or sentence. Keep practicing, and you'll become a suffix superstar! π
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