Clauses Using -ing and -ed

Clauses Using -ing and -ed

We can use -ing and -ed clauses to give more information about a person or thing. They are often used instead of a longer relative clause.

Look at these examples:

• The woman wearing a pink jacket is my aunt.
  = The woman who is wearing a pink jacket is my aunt.
• The report written by Mr Willis is on the table.
  = The report that was written by Mr Willis is on the table.

The important difference is the meaning:

• noun + -ing → the noun does the action = active meaning
  The man driving the car is my uncle.
  The road leading to Bath is under construction.
  
• noun + -ed → the noun receives the action = passive meaning
  The car damaged in the accident is mine.
  The girls invited to the party refused to come.

Quick reference

• -ing = active: the noun does the action.
• -ed = passive: the noun receives the action.