Present Continuous/Progressive Spelling Rules

BE verb + ing verb

1. Add ing to the base form of most verbs

start starting
finish finishing
wash washing

2. When the base form ends in an e, delete the e and add -ing

live living
care caring
ride riding

3. When the base the verb ends with ee just add -ing

agree agreeing
see seeing

4. When the base verb ends in ie, delete the ie and add y then add ing

tie tying
die dying

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

stop stopping
rob robbing
beg begging

6. Do not double final w or x or y.

sew sewing
mix mixing
play playing

7. If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is stressed, double the final
consonant*.

ad mit admitting
oc cur occurring
per mit 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 happening

lis ten listening
o pen opening