Exciting vs excited: two words that are often used interchangeably, but are they really the same? In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and how to use them correctly in your writing.
Exciting and excited are related words, but they have distinct meanings. Exciting is an adjective that describes something that is stimulating, thrilling, or arousing. Excited, on the other hand, is a verb that describes a feeling of enthusiasm, eagerness, or anticipation.
For example, a rollercoaster ride can be exciting because it is thrilling and stimulating. However, the riders on the rollercoaster are excited because they are feeling enthusiastic and eager about the experience.
It’s important to use these words correctly in your writing to avoid confusion. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence entirely. In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the nuances of each word and provide examples of how to use them in context.
Define Exciting
Exciting is an adjective that describes something that produces a feeling of enthusiasm, interest, or eagerness. It is often used to describe events, experiences, or activities that are thrilling, stimulating, or captivating. Exciting things are often unpredictable, engaging, and memorable.
For example, a roller coaster ride can be described as exciting because it produces a rush of adrenaline and creates a sense of thrill and excitement. Similarly, a suspenseful movie can be described as exciting because it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and creates a feeling of anticipation and excitement.
Exciting can also be used to describe people or situations that are dynamic or lively. A charismatic speaker can be described as exciting because they engage and captivate their audience. A vibrant city can be described as exciting because it offers a variety of experiences and opportunities.
Define Excited
Excited is an adjective that describes a feeling of enthusiasm, anticipation, or eagerness. It is often used to describe an emotional state that is characterized by heightened energy and positive anticipation. Excited can be used to describe a person, an event, or a situation.
For example, a child who is eagerly anticipating their birthday can be described as excited. Similarly, a sports fan who is looking forward to a big game can be described as excited. Excited can also be used to describe a positive reaction to a situation or event, such as receiving good news or achieving a goal.
It is important to note that excited can also be used to describe a negative emotional state, such as anxiety or fear. In these cases, excited is used to describe a feeling of heightened energy or tension, rather than a positive anticipation.
| Exciting | Excited |
|---|---|
| Describes something that produces a feeling of enthusiasm, interest, or eagerness | Describes a feeling of enthusiasm, anticipation, or eagerness |
| Often used to describe events, experiences, or activities that are thrilling, stimulating, or captivating | Can be used to describe a person, an event, or a situation |
| Describes a positive emotional state | Can also be used to describe a negative emotional state |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word can make a significant difference in the meaning of a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “exciting” and “excited” correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Exciting” In A Sentence
The word “exciting” is an adjective that describes something that causes excitement or is full of excitement. It is important to note that “exciting” is used to describe the thing that is causing the excitement, not the person who is feeling excited.
Here are some examples of how to use “exciting” in a sentence:
- The concert was very exciting.
- She found the new job to be exciting.
- The rollercoaster ride was an exciting experience.
It is also possible to use “exciting” in a comparative form:
- The second movie was more exciting than the first.
- Traveling is more exciting than staying at home.
How To Use “Excited” In A Sentence
The word “excited” is a verb that describes the feeling of excitement. It is used to describe the person who is feeling excited, not the thing that is causing the excitement.
Here are some examples of how to use “excited” in a sentence:
- I am excited to go on vacation next week.
- She was excited to hear the news.
- The children were excited to open their presents on Christmas morning.
It is also possible to use “excited” in a past tense form:
- He was very excited when he got the job offer.
- She was excited to meet her favorite celebrity.
Remember, “exciting” is used to describe the thing that is causing the excitement, while “excited” is used to describe the person who is feeling excited. By using these words correctly, you can effectively communicate your intended meaning.
More Examples Of Exciting & Excited Used In Sentences
In order to better understand how to use the words “exciting” and “excited” in sentences, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how to use both words in a variety of situations:
Examples Of Using “Exciting” In A Sentence
- The new amusement park ride was so exciting that I rode it three times in a row.
- Traveling to a new country can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
- The prospect of starting a new job was exciting, but also a bit intimidating.
- Winning the championship game was the most exciting moment of the entire season.
- Going to a concert of your favorite band is always an exciting experience.
- Trying a new type of food can be exciting, especially if it’s something you’ve never had before.
- Watching a thrilling movie can be an exciting way to spend a Friday night.
- Going on a hike in the mountains can be an exciting adventure.
- Seeing a shooting star is one of the most exciting things you can witness in the night sky.
- Getting a surprise gift can be an exciting and heartwarming experience.
Examples Of Using “Excited” In A Sentence
- I was so excited to hear that my favorite band was coming to town.
- My dog always gets excited when I come home from work and greets me at the door.
- After months of waiting, I was finally excited to receive my acceptance letter from the university.
- My little sister gets excited about everything, from seeing a butterfly to trying a new flavor of ice cream.
- When my best friend told me she was getting married, I was beyond excited for her.
- My son was so excited to see the circus for the first time that he could hardly sit still.
- Seeing the first snowfall of the year always gets me excited for the holiday season.
- After years of dreaming about it, I was finally excited to take a trip to Paris.
- Winning the lottery would definitely make anyone excited beyond belief.
- Getting a promotion at work can make you feel excited and proud of your accomplishments.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “exciting” and “excited,” many people tend to use them interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes that people make:
Using “Exciting” When “Excited” Is Appropriate
One common mistake is using “exciting” to describe how someone feels, when “excited” is the correct word to use. For example, saying “I am so exciting to go on vacation” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “I am so excited to go on vacation.” This mistake is made because “exciting” is an adjective that describes something that causes excitement, while “excited” is an adjective that describes the feeling of excitement.
Using “Excited” When “Exciting” Is Appropriate
Another common mistake is using “excited” to describe something that is exciting, when “exciting” is the correct word to use. For example, saying “That movie was so excited” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “That movie was so exciting.” This mistake is made because “excited” is an adjective that describes how someone feels, while “exciting” is an adjective that describes something that causes excitement.
Tips To Avoid Confusing “Exciting” And “Excited”
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Remember that “exciting” is an adjective that describes something that causes excitement, while “excited” is an adjective that describes the feeling of excitement.
- When describing how you feel, use “excited.”
- When describing something that causes excitement, use “exciting.”
- Read over your sentences carefully to make sure you are using the correct word.
Context Matters
While both “exciting” and “excited” are related to the feeling of enthusiasm and interest, the choice between the two words can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you communicate your message more effectively.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “exciting” and “excited” might change:
| Context | Example | Preferred Word |
|---|---|---|
| Describing a Situation | “The rollercoaster is very ____. I can’t wait to ride it!” | Exciting |
| Describing a Feeling | “I feel ____ about the concert tonight!” | Excited |
| Describing an Object | “This book is ____ and full of adventure.” | Exciting |
| Describing a Person | “She is always ____ and full of energy.” | Excited |
As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “exciting” and “excited” can depend on the context in which they are used. When describing a situation, object, or experience, “exciting” is the preferred word. However, when describing a feeling or a person, “excited” is more appropriate.
By understanding the context in which these words are used, you can communicate your message more effectively and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Exceptions To The Rules
1. Use Of “Excited” In A Negative Context
While “excited” is generally used to express positive emotions, there are situations where it can be used in a negative context. For example, when someone is “excited” about a situation that may have negative consequences, such as a risky investment or a dangerous activity. In such cases, “excited” is used sarcastically to indicate that the person is being foolish or reckless.
2. Use Of “Exciting” To Describe Negative Experiences
Although “exciting” is typically used to describe positive experiences, it can also be used to describe negative experiences that are still stimulating or thrilling. For instance, a horror movie or a rollercoaster ride may be described as “exciting” even though they elicit fear or discomfort.
3. Use Of “Exciting” As A Euphemism
Sometimes “exciting” is used as a euphemism to describe situations that are actually unpleasant or stressful. For example, a job advertisement may describe a demanding and stressful position as “exciting” to make it sound more appealing.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless | Adjective | Without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action | He drove recklessly and caused the accident. |
| Euphemism | Noun | A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one considered to be too harsh or blunt | She passed away is a euphemism for she died. |
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between exciting and excited, it’s time to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help improve your usage:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (exciting or excited) to fill in the following sentences:
- The roller coaster was __________.
- I was __________ to start my new job.
- The movie was __________ from start to finish.
- She was __________ to see her best friend after a long time.
- Traveling to a new country is always __________.
Answer key:
- exciting
- excited
- exciting
- excited
- exciting
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage
For each sentence, identify whether exciting or excited is the correct usage:
| Sentence | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| The concert was so __________ that I couldn’t stop dancing. | exciting |
| He was __________ about his upcoming vacation. | excited |
| The new video game is really __________. | exciting |
| She was __________ to hear that she got the job. | excited |
| The __________ news spread quickly through the office. | exciting |
Answer key:
| Sentence | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| The concert was so __________ that I couldn’t stop dancing. | exciting |
| He was __________ about his upcoming vacation. | excited |
| The new video game is really __________. | exciting |
| She was __________ to hear that she got the job. | excited |
| The __________ news spread quickly through the office. | exciting |
By practicing using these words in different contexts, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your usage of exciting and excited.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distinction between “exciting” and “excited” is a crucial one to make in written and spoken English. While both words relate to feelings of enthusiasm, they differ in their grammatical functions and meanings.
It is important to remember that “exciting” is an adjective used to describe something that causes excitement, while “excited” is a past participle used to describe someone who is experiencing excitement.
By understanding the difference between these two words, you can improve your writing and communication skills and avoid common errors.
Key Takeaways
- “Exciting” is an adjective used to describe something that causes excitement.
- “Excited” is a past participle used to describe someone who is experiencing excitement.
- The two words should not be used interchangeably.
- Understanding the difference can improve your writing and communication skills.
Remember that language is a constantly evolving entity, and there is always more to learn. Keep exploring the nuances of grammar and language use to become a more effective communicator.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.