Rule 1: Words ending with a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant Pattern
One-syllable words:
ING = If the word ends in a CVC pattern, it gets a double consonant + ING. * note
Example: ING = HOP > hopping, SIT > sitting
*note: Words ending in w,x,y,z do not follow this rule, simply add ING
Examples: box > boxing, play > playing
Two-syllable words:
ING = If the stress is on the first syllable, the word only gets one consonant + ING.
Example: happen > happening, enter > entering
ING = If the stress is on the second syllable, the word gets a double consonant + ING.
Example: begin > beginning, permit > permitting
Consonants = b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z
Vowels = a, e, i, o, u
Rule 2: Words ending in E
ING = If the word ends in E, drop the E, add ING
Example: ING = dance > dancing, skate > skating
Rule 3: Words ending in Y
Consonant + Y
.
ING = If the word ends in Y, and has a consonant before it, simply add ING .
Example: ING = carry > carrying, reply > replying
Vowel + Y
ING = If the word ends in Y, and has a vowel before it, simply add ING .
Example: ING = enjoy > enjoying, stray > straying
Rule 4: Other words...
words ending in two vowels + a consonant
ING = If the word ends in two vowels + a consonant, simply add ING .
Example: ING = need > needing, beep > beeping
words ending in a double consonant:
ING = If the word ends in a double consonant, simply add ING .
Example: ING = laugh > laughing