English spelling can be tricky. Words that sound alike don’t always follow the same rules. One word that trips up even native speakers is the present participle of “tie.” Is it tying or tieing?
Let’s unravel the confusion and make sure you never second-guess yourself again.
The Correct Spelling: Tying vs. Tieing
The correct spelling is tying.
“Tieing” is not a valid word in standard English.
It’s a common mistake people make when applying English spelling rules inconsistently. The verb “tie” loses the “e” before adding “-ing”—a standard rule for verbs ending in “e.”
Read More About This Article: Cancellation vs Cancelation: Understanding Spelling Variations in British and American English
Quick Reference
| Word Base | Present Participle |
|---|---|
| tie | tying |
| bake | baking |
| smile | smiling |
| make | making |
So next time you write “I am tying my shoes,” know that you’re spelling it perfectly.
Why “Tieing” Feels Right (But Isn’t)
English learners—and even fluent speakers—sometimes add “-ing” without dropping the final “e” because it looks logical. If you type “tieing” into many text editors, it might not even be flagged right away.
This happens because of what we call orthographic intuition—our brains try to apply patterns that feel familiar. But this one breaks the pattern.
Let’s look at a few examples:
- Lie → lying (not lieing)
- Die → dying (not dieing)
- Tie → tying (not tieing)
The rule is consistent with verbs ending in silent “e”—the “e” is dropped before adding suffixes like “-ing.”
Spelling Rules for Verbs Ending in -e
Understanding this rule helps you avoid similar spelling mistakes in future writing.
Spelling Rule:
If a verb ends in a silent “e,” drop the “e” before adding “-ing.”
Examples:
| Verb | Correct -ing Form | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| tie | tying | tieing |
| bake | baking | bakeing |
| dance | dancing | danceing |
| smile | smiling | smileing |
Exceptions? Very few. Most English verbs ending in “e” follow this rule.
Present Participle: What Is It?
“Tying” is the present participle form of the verb “tie.”
What is a Present Participle?
It’s the -ing form of a verb, used to show continuous action or to form verb phrases.
Example Uses:
- He is tying his shoelaces.
- She was tying the ribbon.
- They were tying a knot on the boat.
Grammar Tip:
Present participles are used in continuous verb tenses:
| Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| Present Continuous | I am tying my scarf. |
| Past Continuous | He was tying his shoes. |
| Future Continuous | They will be tying up the boxes. |
This is a foundational part of English grammar and helps improve both writing and speaking skills.
Common Confusion: “Tieing” vs. “Tying”
Let’s clarify the frequent misunderstanding. Here’s how “tieing” stacks up against **”tying”:
Visual Comparison:
| Feature | Tying | Tieing (Incorrect) |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Follows Rule | ✅ Yes (drop -e) | ❌ No (keeps -e) |
| Found in Dictionary | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used by Native Speakers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Even native speakers may second-guess themselves due to how “tieing” looks. But once you internalize the spelling rule, it becomes second nature.
Usage Examples in Real Context
Correct Usage:
- The boy was tying his shoes before running.
- She’s tying the apron around her waist.
- They were tying the game with a goal in the last minute.
Incorrect Usage:
- He is tieing a knot in the rope. (❌)
- She was tieing the ribbon. (❌)
Remember: If it doesn’t drop the “e,” it’s probably not right.
Idioms and Phrases: Tying in Figurative Use
It shows up in many common idioms:
The sentence “Tying the Knot”
- Meaning: Getting married
- Example: They’re tying the knot this weekend in a beach ceremony.
“Tying Loose Ends”
- Meaning: Finishing incomplete tasks
- Example: Let’s tie up loose ends before the project deadline.
“Tying One On”
- Meaning: Getting drunk (slang)
- Example: He really tied one on last night after the promotion.
These idioms rely on the correct spelling. Seeing them in use can reinforce your memory.
Etymology of “Tying”
The word “tie” dates back to Old English tīegan or tīegan, meaning to fasten or bind.
- Origin: Old Norse “túga” (to pull or drag)
- Modern use: The word evolved through Middle English to its current form.
“Tying” simply follows the modern rule of dropping the silent “e” before adding a suffix.
Insights from Native Speakers
Ask any fluent English speaker how they spell the present participle of “tie,” and they’ll say “tying.”
“I’ve never seen anyone spell it as tieing.” – Jackie, ESL Instructor from New York
This kind of intuitive grasp on spelling comes from exposure and context. The more you read and write, the more natural it becomes.
Language Tools That Can Help
Need a little help with spelling in real-time? Here are language tools to keep your writing polished:
Best Tools:
| Tool | Features | Free Version Available |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly | Spelling, grammar, tone suggestions | Yes |
| Hemingway App | Readability, passive voice, sentence length | Yes |
| ProWritingAid | Grammar checks, style improvements | Yes |
| QuillBot | Rewriting and synonym suggestions | Yes |
Bonus: Spelling Rule Cheat Sheet
Here’s a handy reference for verbs ending in silent “e”:
Drop the “e” before adding “-ing”
Examples:
- Tie → tying
- Bake → baking
- Drive → driving
- Love → loving
Exceptions:
Very few, and most are old or poetic forms not used in daily writing.
Keep this rule taped near your desk if you write often!
FAQs
Is “tieing” ever used correctly?
No. It’s not accepted in any standard English context. It’s considered a spelling error.
Why doesn’t “tie” follow the rule of just adding “-ing”?
It does. But that rule also includes dropping a silent “e.”
Does British English accept “tieing”?
No. UK and US English both agree on “tying.”
What are examples of verbs that don’t drop the “e”?
Verbs ending in -ee, -ye, or -oe (e.g., “see” → “seeing”) keep the “e.”
Conclusion: Tie It All Together
Spelling in English can get tangled, but it doesn’t have to be. If you remember one thing, let it be this:
Always spell it “tying”—never “tieing.”
This rule fits within broader spelling guidelines for verbs ending in silent “e” and helps you avoid one of the most common confusions in English writing.
So the next time you write about tying a knot or tying up loose ends, you’ll do it with confidence—and correct spelling.
Helpful Resources