…the required changes.
You’re way below the standard required.
…the cost of the suggested improvements.
The proposals suggested are derived from successful experiments.
Aside from the affected child, the doctor checks every other member of the household.
…the proportion of the population affected.
Special forms: -ing adjectives
2.63 There are many adjectives ending in -ing. Most of them are related in form to the -ing participles of verbs. In this grammar they are called -ing adjectives.
He was an amiable, amusing fellow.
He had been up all night attending a dying man.
The -ing form is explained in the Reference Section.
describing an effect
2.64 One group of -ing adjectives describe the effect that something has on your feelings and ideas, or on the feelings and ideas of people in general.
…an alarming increase in burglaries.
A surprising number of men do not marry.
…a charming house on the outskirts of the town.
…a warm welcoming smile.
2.65 These adjectives are normally qualitative adjectives. This means that they can be used with a submodifying adverb (a word like very or rather), and have comparatives and superlatives.
…a very convincing example.
There is nothing very surprising in this.
…a very exciting idea.
…a really pleasing evening at the theatre.
When Bernard moans he’s much more convincing.
…one of the most boring books I’ve ever read.
2.66 They can be used in front of a noun or after a linking verb.
They can still show amazing loyalty to their parents.
It’s amazing what they can do.
…the most terrifying tale ever written.
The present situation is terrifying.
2.67 These -ing adjectives have a related transitive verb that you use to describe the way someone is affected by something. For example, if you speak of an alarming increase, you mean that the increase alarms you. If you speak of a surprising number, you mean that the number surprises you.
Here is a list of -ing adjectives that describe an effect and that have a similar meaning to the usual meaning of the related verb:
alarming
amazing
amusing
annoying
appalling
astonishing
astounding
bewildering
boring
challenging
charming
compelling
confusing
convincing
demeaning
depressing
devastating
disappointing
disgusting
distracting
distressing
disturbing
embarrassing
enchanting
encouraging
entertaining
exciting
frightening
harassing
humiliating
infuriating
inspiring
interesting
intimidating
intriguing
menacing
misleading
mocking
overwhelming
pleasing
refreshing
relaxing
rewarding
satisfying
shocking
sickening
startling
surprising
tempting
terrifying
threatening
thrilling
tiring
welcoming
worrying
Transitive verbs are explained in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.25.
describing a process or state
2.68 The other main group of -ing adjectives are used to describe a process or state that continues over a period of time.
…her growing band of supporters.
Oil and gas drillers are doing a booming business.
…a life of increasing labour and decreasing leisure.
2.69 These adjectives are classifying adjectives, so they are not used with words like very and rather. However, adjectives used to identify a process are often modified by adverbs that describe the speed with which the process happens.
…a fast diminishing degree of personal freedom.
…rapidly rising productivity.
2.70 These -ing adjectives have related intransitive verbs.
Here is a list of -ing adjectives that describe a continuing process or state and that have a similar meaning to the usual meaning of the related verb:
ageing
ailing
bleeding
booming
bursting
decreasing
diminishing
dwindling
dying
existing
increasing
living
prevailing
recurring
reigning
remaining
resounding
rising
ruling
Intransitive verbs are explained in paragraphs 3.8 to 3.13.
2.71 These -ing adjectives are only used in front of a noun, so when -ing forms of intransitive verbs appear after the verb be they are actually part of a progressive form.
2.72 In English, you can make most verbs into adjectives by adding -ing to the verb and putting it in front of the noun, to say what someone or something is doing.
…a walking figure.
…FIFA, world football’s ruling body.
…bands performing in front of screaming crowds.
…two years of falling employment.
…a tremendous noise of smashing glass.
form and meaning
2.73 Most of the -ing adjectives talked about so far are related to verbs. Sometimes however, -ing adjectives are not related to verbs at all. For example, there is no verb to neighbour.
Whole families came from neighbouring villages.
Here is a list of -ing adjectives that are not related to verbs:
appetizing
balding
cunning
enterprising
excruciating
impending
neighbouring
scathing
unwitting
2.74 Sometimes, an -ing adjective is related to an uncommon use of a verb, or appears to be related to a verb but is not related exactly to any current use. For example, the verb haunt is most commonly used in connection with ghosts, but the adjective haunting is more often used to talk about such things as songs and memories. A haunting tune is a tune you cannot forget.