When do you double the consanent when adding ing?

You double the consonant when adding "-ing" to a word if:

1. The word ends in a single consonant (excluding "x" and "w")

2. The consonant is preceded by a single vowel

3. The word is stressed on the last syllable

Examples:

* run becomes running

* shop becomes shopping

* swim becomes swimming

Exceptions:

* Words ending in "w" or "x" do not double the consonant: mix becomes mixing, saw becomes sawing.

* Words ending in a consonant followed by a consonant do not double the consonant: cook becomes cooking, talk becomes talking.

* Words ending in a vowel followed by a consonant do not double the consonant: play becomes playing, cry becomes crying.

Important Note: The stress pattern is crucial. If the word is stressed on a syllable other than the last one, the consonant is not doubled: happen becomes happening, offer becomes offering.

Let me know if you have any more questions!