Use the present form of the participle (-ing) if it describes someone or something causing or producing a mental state. Use the past form (-ed) if it describes someone or something experiencing the mental state. Problem participles include the following pairs:
annoying/annoyed | exhausting/exhausted |
boring/bored | pleasing/pleased |
confusing/confused | surprising/surprised |
disappointing/disappointed | terrifying/terrified |
exciting/excited | tiring/tired |
Change a participle to its present form (-ing) if it describes someone or something causing or producing a situation.
Change a participle to its past form (-ed) if it describes someone or something experiencing a situation.