Participal Adjectives

PARTICIPIAL ADJECTIVES

-Ing and -Ed

related to emotive verbs

	Past participles (-ed) are used to say how people feel. -ED participle refers to the experiencer (the one feeling the emotion)	Present participles (-ing) are used to describe the people or things that cause the feelings. -Ing participle refers to the actor (the one/thing causing the emotion)
The lesson interests Anne.	Anne is very interested in the lesson.	The lesson is interesting (to Anne).
Sports interest Max.	Max is interested in sports.He’s a very interested basketball fan.	Sports are interesting (to Max). One very interesting sport is basketball.
The movie bored Bob.	Bob was bored by the movie.	Bib didn’t enjoy the movie because it wasboring.

Slapstick comedy doesn't amuse Corin.	Corin is not amused by slapstick comedy.He is an unamused victim.	Slapstick isn't amusing (to Corin).However, she does like other amusing forms of comedy.
John’s loud stereo annoys his neighbors.	John’s neighbors are annoyed by his loud stereo.Several annoyed neighbors complained to the manager.	John’s loud stereo is annoying (to his neighbors).They have had enough annoying noise for one weekend.

Other participial adjectives of this type

amazed amused annoyed bored charmed confused convincing damaged depressed disappointed embarrassedexcited

amazing amusing annoying boring charming confusing convincing damaging depressing disappointing embarrassingexciting

exhausted fascinated frightened frustrated interested puzzled relaxed satisfied shocked terrified tiredthrilled

exhausting fascinating frightening frustrating interesting puzzling relaxing satisfying shocking terrifying tiringthrilling

Other aspects of active and passive participles

(from Swan’s Practical English Usage)

When -ing forms are used like adjectives or adverbs, they have similar meanings to active verbs.	falling leaves a meat-eating animalShe walked out smiling.	(= leaves that fall) (= an animal that eats meat) (= She was smiling)
Most past participles have passive meanings when they are used like adjectives or adverbs.	a broken heart.He lived alone, forgotten by everybody.	(= a heart that has been broken)(= He had been forgotten by everybody.)
Exceptions: active past participles
A few intransitive verbs have past participles that can be used as adjectives with active meanings, especially before nouns.	a fallen leaf advanced students developed countries increased activity vanished civilizationsa retired general	(=a leaf that has fallen) (=students who have advanced to a high level, not students who have been advanced...) a grown-up daughter and escaped prisoner faded colors swollen ankles
Some more past participles can only be used in this way in phrases with adverbs.	a well-read person a much-traveled man recently-arrived immigrants	(but not a read person)
Worry can be used actively and passively.	I worry about you.	I’m worried about you.