Here is a guide to the correct spelling of -ing forms of verbs and gerunds.
The general rule when changing a verb into its -ing form is just to add -ing to the end of the verb.
to feel feeling
to go going
to work working
to sleep sleeping
1st Rule
If the verb ends in an ‘e’ we remove ‘e’ and add -ing.
to live living
to have having
to make making
to take taking
People are living longer now than they were 100 years ago.
We are making a chocolate cake.
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He was taking his time to get ready.
2nd Rule
If the verb ends in a Consonant + Vowel + Consonant, we double the �nal consonant
and add ‘ing’.
to stop stopping
to sit sitting
to plan planning
to get getting
to swim swimming
3rd Rule
If a two-syllable verb ends in a Consonant + Vowel + Consonant, we do not double the
�nal consonant when the stress is on the �rst syllable.
to happen happening
to enter entering
to offer offering
to suffer suffering
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What is happening?
They are offering a discount.
Many people are suffering from lack of food and water.
4th Rule
But, we do not double the �nal consonant when the verb ends in W, X, or Y or when the
�nal syllable is not emphasized.
to �x �xing
to enjoy enjoying
to snow snowing
to lie lying
to die dying
to tie tying
5th Rule
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If the verb ends in Consonant + Vowel + L, we normally double the �nal L and add -ing.
6th Rule
If the verb ends in a stressed Vowel+R, we double the �nal R and add -ing.
refer referring
defer deferring
7th Rule
If the verb ends in an Unstressed Vowel + R, we do not double the �nal R and add -ing.
to offer offering
to suffer suffering
to whisper whispering
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I am offering you a special deal.
He is now suffering the consequences of his actions.
I wonder what he is whispering in her ear.
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