I don't understand this english/grammar sentence of directions? Its real simple, i'm just slow...so help?

Question

So the directions say:

Write replying. Write the rule that explains how to add ing to words like reply.

What rule? I mean all you gotta do is add ing..
whats the rule?

Answer 1

The letters ing are added to verbs to show the present tense.
mail + ing = mailing carry + ing =carrying
always keep the y before adding the ing ending
if the word ends in e, drop the e and add ing
ride + ing = riding take + ing = taking
if the word is short and ends with a vowel/consonant, double the consonant and add ing
stop + ing = stopping
wrap + ing = wrapping

Answer 2

One rule is simple. Adding ing to word makes it action word. There are two more at least. Not completely sure, but ing words can act as bridging word if your writing complex sentences. That ending changes how word acts in sentence. Will see if better explanation can be found or better some nice editor tells both of us.

Answer 3

Well, you would not say "inviteing" for one thing. It's spelled "inviting." But I suspect the question is more related to when you would use ING and when you would not (see Source information for where the following came from):

Re: When to use infinitive and when to use ing form

To-infinitive

1. After verbs expressing wish, liking and permission
If the meaning is passive, use the passive to-infinitive
–ing form cannot be used

2. After verbs expressing belief or opinion
Used in formal English
In informal English, a ‘that’ clause is used after some verbs
A ‘that’ clause must be used with other verbs that ‘to be’

3. As a subject or part of the subject
The to-infinitive usually refers to a specific occasion (-ing form cannot be used).
The –ing form can only be used in general statements.

4. After a form of 'be'
The to-infinitive usually refers to a specific occasion (-ing form cannot be used).
Both the –ing form and the to-infinitive can be used in general statements.

5. To express purpose
‘In order’ or ‘so as’ can be put before the infinitive
Negative purpose is expressed by ‘in order not’ or ‘so as not’
If the adjective (before the to-infinitive) is preceded by ‘so’, the infinitive must be preceded by ‘as’.
e.g. She was so kind as to invite me to dinner

6. After certain verbs:
afford, agree, arrage, claim, consent, dar, decide, decline, demand, deserve, expect, fail, hesitate, hope, learn, long, manage, offer, pretend, promise, refuse, swear, tend, threaten, undertake, want, wish.

Answer 4

Disney Lover,

ING can be added to words to make:

Gerunds
Present participles that join with a helping verb make up the verb tenses:
Present Progressive: I am replying
Present Perfect Progressive: I have been replying
Past Progressive: I was replying
Future Progressive: I will be replying
Future Perfect Progressive: I will have been replying

Does any of this help? Did your professor give you "replying" in context of a sentence?

Answer 5

There is a rule for most everything... and exceptions.

You have the correct rule, just add "ing" to the base verb. However, sometimes your must double the final consonant, remove an ending "e", or change "ie" to "y".

http://www.englishclub.com/writing/spelling_add-ing.htm

Answer 6

they are asking you to write the word "replying". then to write down the rules that explain how to add "ING" to words like reply.
reply+ing=replying

Answer 7

you don't have to drop the y because it's not an adverb you just add ing

Answer 8

yo jus drop da y and add ing sheesh repling

Answer 9

is there an exception to the rule? I don't think so.

Answer 10

http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/homework_help.jsp

go this website and ask a tutor. good luck!!