What Is the Difference Between Bored and Boring?
Many adjectives come in pairs made from one verb: bore gives bored and boring. They describe two sides of the same feeling.
-INGThe thing that causes the feeling
The meeting was boring.
-EDThe person who has the feeling
I was bored after the first hour.
-ed tells you how a person feels. -ing describes what causes that feeling.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"This book is really blank. I can't stop reading."
- Question 2
"Mai looked blank when she saw the price."
Common pairs
-ED → -ING
- interestedinteresting
- tiredtiring
- excitedexciting
- worriedworrying
- confusedconfusing
- embarrassedembarrassing
- annoyedannoying
- amazedamazing
The -ed adjective often comes after be, feel, look or get: We felt relaxed at the beach. Before a noun, each word keeps its meaning: a confusing map, a confused tourist.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"I've been working since six, so I feel really blank."
When to use them
Talking about a trip
Sa Pa was amazing, but the bus ride was tiring.
A colleague asks about your holiday.
Common phrases: How was your trip? · How was the weekend?
Saying you explained badly
Sorry, that was a confusing explanation. Let me try again.
Your listener looks lost.
Checking on a friend
You look worried. Is everything OK?
Someone keeps checking their phone.
Common phrases: You look · You seem · You sound
Bored or Boring for People?
A person can be -ing too, when they cause the feeling in other people.
| -ED | -ING | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | how Minh feels now | what Minh is like |
| Example | Minh is bored. | Minh is boring. |
Minh is boring is a comment on Minh himself, and it is not kind. Use bored for his mood.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Nobody wants to sit next to Tuấn at parties. He talks about work all night. He's really blank."
Common mistakes
Incorrect:I stayed at home all weekend and I was boring.
Correct:I stayed at home all weekend and I was bored.
Was boring describes you as a person. You mean bored.
Incorrect:I'm very interesting in music.
Correct:I'm very interested in music.
The person who likes something is interested in it.
Incorrect:The news was very surprised.
Correct:The news was very surprising.
News has no feelings. It surprises people.
Incorrect:We're going to Đà Lạt tomorrow. I'm really exciting!
Correct:We're going to Đà Lạt tomorrow. I'm really excited!
You feel excited. The trip is exciting.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct word:
The view from the top of Fansipan was amazing.
- A. amazing — Correct
- B. amazed
Answer: A. amazing
A view has no feelings. It amazes the people who see it: amazing.
Choose the correct word:
My dad was disappointed when his team lost the final.
- A. disappointing
- B. disappointed — Correct
Answer: B. disappointed
This is how Dad felt, so use the -ed adjective.
Choose the correct word:
A hot shower after work is really relaxing.
- A. relaxing — Correct
- B. relaxed
Answer: A. relaxing
The shower causes the feeling. You are relaxed; the shower is relaxing.
Choose the correct word:
Our new teacher is really interesting. Her lessons are never the same.
- A. interested
- B. interesting — Correct
Answer: B. interesting
A person can be -ing too, when they cause the feeling in others.
Choose the correct sentence:
I felt embarrassed when I called her by the wrong name.
- A. I felt embarrassing when I called her by the wrong name.
- B. I felt embarrassed when I called her by the wrong name. — Correct
Answer: B. I felt embarrassed when I called her by the wrong name.
The speaker had the feeling, so embarrassed.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions