Present Continuous Spelling Rules

Present Continuous/Progressive Spelling Rules “BE” verb + ing verb 1.

Add –ing to the base form of most verbs start finish wash

2.

When the base form ends in an e, delete the e and add -ing live care ride

3.

stopping robbing begging

Do not double final w or x or y. sew mix play

7.

tying dying

If the verb has one syllable and ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant (CVC), double the final consonant and add –ing. stop rob beg

6.

agreeing seeing

When the base verb ends in –ie, delete the –ie and add –y then add –ing tie die

5.

living caring riding

When the base the verb ends with ee just add -ing agree see

4.

starting finishing washing

sewing mixing playing

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is stressed, double the final consonant*. ad mit’ oc cur’ per mit’

admitting occurring permitting

* in American English –l is not doubled. 8.

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is not stressed, do not double the final consonant. hap’ pen lis’ ten o’ pen

happening listening opening