I'm Amtrakking (sp?)
Begin Lesson:
Think of -
writ
write
writing
written
and you have examples of two general spelling aids:
1. A final "e" lengthens the preceding vowel (makes it say its name).
2. Doubling the consonant shortens the preceding vowel.
So, Amtraking would rhyme with "raking", as in leaves, and Amtrakking would rhyme with "trekking" as thru the woods.
HOWEVER: the rules generally only apply to vowels immediately preceding the final consonant - and a second intervening consonant causes trouble: Track/tracking, bask/basking. So, if Amtrak were spelled Amtrack we would have Amtracking.
The moral - avoid using gerunds!
End Lesson
der Brucer
OK MattH - chime in please.