we’ll be discussing when to use the -ed and -ing endings! 

To be interested is not the same as being interesting.  The same applies to other English phrases such as bored and boring, or excited and exciting.  Here is a general rule to help you remember the difference:

• When talking about yourself or your feelings, use the –ed ending.  “I am interested in music.”
• When talking about others or something outside yourself, use the –ing ending.  “That music is interesting.”

Here are some more examples:

• “She’s excited by travel.”
• “Travel is exciting.”
• “They’re bored by soccer.”
• “Soccer is boring.”

Roleplay

In this roleplay, Lindsay and Michelle are discussing their hobbies.

Michelle: So Lindsay, I know you are a very interesting person. What do you like to do in your free time?

Lindsay: I love playing tennis, hiking, camping and just being outdoors. I’m also very interested in psychology and I love to read!

Michelle: What is a hobby that you find very boring?

Lindsay: I’m not very interested in sewing or crocheting. I would be bored doing anything like that.

Michelle: What is something exciting that you’d like to do someday?

Lindsay: Maybe cliff jumping. I get excited and nervous just thinking about it, but I think I’d be up for it.

The Difference between ‘Interested’ and ‘Interesting’

Interested means “wanting to learn more about something.” Interested is used to describe a person who wants to learn more about something or to become involved in something or has the desire to do or have something. Below are some examples of how interested is used.

• The boy is interested in [=wants to learn about] astronomy.
• The couple was interested in seeing the new movie.
• If you are interested in the job [=if you want to have/get the job], you should apply.
• Are you interested in grabbing a cup of coffee later?
• She wasn’t interested in hearing excuses from her kids.
• Any interested students should sign up to volunteer.

Interesting means “attracting your attention.” Interesting is used to describe something or someone that attracts your attention, or something or someone that is not boring or dull. Below are some examples of how interesting is used.

• The boy thinks astronomy is very interesting [=he is interested in astronomy].
• The movie was very interesting.
• She has an interesting accent.
• The kids learned several interesting facts about frogs.
• He is a very interesting person and has done many things in life.
• I heard an interesting story about how the lamp broke.

Remember that interested describes a person who has a feeling of wanting to learn more about something, and interesting describes the thing that makes someone feel that way. You feel interested in something because that thing is interesting.