Competing or Competiting – Which is Correct?
When it comes to the verb “compete,” the correct form is “competing,” not “competiting.” While the latter might appear to be logical based on the spelling of words like “compete” and “competition,” it is important to understand the rules of English grammar and the reasoning behind them. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of the word “competing” and provide examples to solidify your understanding.
The reason “competing” is the correct form is because it follows the standard rules for forming the present participle in English. In most cases, when a verb ends with a consonant followed by a vowel and then another consonant, the final consonant is doubled before adding the suffix “-ing.” This rule applies to words like “run” (running), “swim” (swimming), and “chat” (chatting), just to name a few. Following this pattern, we have “compete” (competing).
Let’s further illustrate this with some examples:
1. Correct: The athletes are competing for the gold medal in the Olympics.
Incorrect: The athletes are competiting for the gold medal in the Olympics.
2. Correct: Sarah and John will be competing against each other in the chess tournament.
Incorrect: Sarah and John will be competiting against each other in the chess tournament.
3. Correct: The two companies are fiercely competing for market dominance.
Incorrect: The two companies are fiercely competiting for market dominance.
By using the correct form “competing,” you ensure that your sentences adhere to standard English grammar rules, making your writing or spoken English sound more natural and fluent.
Understanding the rationale behind this grammar rule can help solidify your grasp of the English language. Think of the doubled consonant as providing emphasis or stress to the verb. Just as running or swimming requires physical effort, competing implies an active engagement in a competition or contest. The final consonant doubling in “competing” serves as a reminder of this energetic and competitive nature.
To further emphasize the importance of using “competing” instead of “competiting,” let’s consider an analogy. Imagine you are running a race. Would you say, “I am runing in the marathon,” or would you correctly state, “I am running in the marathon”? The latter, of course, sounds natural and correct. Likewise, “competing” conveys the sense of active participation in a competition much more effectively than the non-standard and illogical “competiting.”
In conclusion, when deciding between “competing” and “competiting,” it is crucial to use the correct form for effective communication. Stick with “competing,” as it follows the standard rules for forming the present participle in English. By understanding the reasoning behind this rule and using it correctly in your writing or speech, you can ensure that your English sounds fluent and natural. So remember, when it comes to competition, it’s always about “competing,” never “competiting.” Keep practicing and honing your language skills, and soon you’ll be an expert in expressing yourself clearly and accurately.