Lesson 6: Bored and boring

Some adjectives, like ‘bored’ and ‘boring’, have two versions. (These are actually participles used as adjectives.) These adjectives are used in a slightly different way from normal adjectives. We usually use the adjective with ‘ed’ (originally the past participle) to talk about how someone feels.

  • I was really bored during the flight (NOT: I was really boring during the flight).
  • She’s interested in history (NOT: She’s really interesting in history).
  • John is excited about his trip. (NOT: John is exciting about his trip.)


We usually use the adjective with ‘ing’ (originally the present participle) to talk about the person, thing, or situation that has caused the feeling.

  • It was such a long, boring flight (so I was bored).
  • I read a really interesting book about history (so I was interested).
  • Going on a trip is exciting (so John is excited).


Make sure you don’t use the adjective that ends with ‘ing’ to talk about how you feel!

  • NOT: I am boring. (This means that other people find you boring, not that you feel bored!)


At this level of English, you should know:


  • Bored / boring
  • Excited / exciting
  • Interested / interesting



Complete and Continue