ingsuffix

In linguistics, the term ingsuffix denotes the English suffix -ing, which attaches to verbs to form non-finite verb forms and related adjectival forms. The -ing suffix is productive and widely used, serving several functions in modern English.

Gerund and nominal uses: When -ing attaches to a verb to form a gerund, the result behaves as a noun. Examples include reading, farming, and swimming. Gerunds can take determiners, possessives, and can appear as subjects or objects: “Reading helps you learn.” They can also function as verbal nouns in phrases like “the reading of the report.”

Present participle and participial adjectives: The -ing form also functions as a present participle, used with auxiliary verbs to form progressive aspect: “She is reading.” It can modify nouns as a participial adjective: “a running stream,” “an exciting movie.”

Origin and orthography: The suffix -ing derives from Old English -ing(e) and Proto-Germanic origins. Over time, it expanded from forming verbal nouns to serving as the standard non-finite ending for both gerunds and present participles. Spelling and pronunciation are regular in standard English.

Usage considerations: Distinguishing gerund from present participle is primarily a syntactic matter, as both share the same -ing form. Context determines whether the function is nominal, verbal, or adjectival. The suffix remains highly productive, with new -ing forms appearing in loanwords and neologisms (for example, “googling”).

See also: English morphology; gerund; present participle.