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Persian Learner Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Compound adjectives: ed or ing?

Hi.

Why do we say action-packed, but thought-provoking?
  

Top answer

It has nothing to do with the adjective being compound or simple. An -ed adjective describes a result (often a feeling) of some action, whereas an -ing adjective describes a cause . , I was amazed by his hospitality.

— Teechr

  • It has nothing to do with the adjective being compound or simple.
  • An -ed adjective describes a result (often a feeling) of some action, whereas an -ing adjective describes a cause .
  • , I was amazed by his hospitality.
  • She is an amazing swimmer.
  • [she amazes people]
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3 Answers
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It has nothing to do with the adjective being compound or simple. An -ed adjective describes a result (often a feeling) of some action, whereas an -ing adjective describes a cause.

e.g.,
I was amazed by his hospitality.


Sh
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Noun + past participle (regularly "-ed") adjectives are essentially passive, e.g. if something is "oven-cooked", it means it is cooked in an oven. If something is "action-packed", it is packed with action. (It is also possible, though less usual, to say that something "packs action". By this token, "action-packing" is theoretically possible, but in practice it would be rarely if ever used.)
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Persian LearnerWhy do we say action-packed, but thought-provoking?
It's hopeless to find a way to explain all these word combinations and endings in a consistent way.

Generally, -ing is active, and -en (-ed) is passive.

Think of them like this: provokes thought (active voice); is packed with action
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