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I get a little bit confused when I want to use Wasting or Wasted, because these words are adjectives (just talk about the adjectival aspect).

The follow sentences are quoted from the movie "Ex machina":

  • I told you, you're wasting your time talking to her, however, you wouldn't be wasting your time, if you were dancing with her.

I was wondering whether or not I could replace wasting by wasted?

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  • It would be a good idea if you search 'second conditional' sentences which deal with unreal or imaginary situations. You'll get your answer. – Yuri Mar 27 '16 at 9:29
  • In this sentence, "wasting" is not being used as an adjective. It follows the helper verb "to be" to form the present progressive, and the progressive of the modal "would." – fjack Mar 27 '16 at 11:34
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used after "be", wasting is an active participle: it defines what the subject is doing.

you are wasting your time

used after "be", wasted is a passive participle: it defines what is being done to something.

your time is being wasted.

The expression "you are wasted" can mean two things:

  • you have deteriorated physically, for example by illness
  • you a over-qualified for the job you are in
  • you are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs (slang)
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