Grammar

Mastering Finite and Non-finite Verbs in English

Mastering Finite and Non-finite Verbs in English

We’re going to talk about two kinds of verbs: finite and non-finite verbs. They each perform a different function in nature. Finite verbs follow the grammatical rules. They completely agree with the subject and talk about tense, number, and person. , Non-finite verbs do not show an agreement with the subject and are used in present participle, past participle, and infinitive forms to do various functions in a sentence. To get a better understanding, of what they are and how they are used in sentences, Let’s learn more about them.

Mastering Finite and Non-finite Verbs in English

Mastering Finite and Non-finite Verbs in English

Finite and Non-finite Verbs:

What is the finite verb?

A finite verb is a verb that has a subject and used to indicate tense, person, and sometimes number. It generally used to carry the main meaning of the verb in a sentence and is conjugated to match the subject of the sentence. finite verbs also change their forms in the following situations: Whether the action is happening in the past, present, or future.
For Examples.

  • I walk (present tense, first person singular)
  • She walks (present tense, third person singular)
  • They walked (past tense, third person plural

What is the Non-finite verb?

A non-finite verb is a verb that doesn’t show any tense when an action happens, like, past, present, or future. It doesn’t have the followings things at the end of the verb : ing,  E, or, S’  Instead, it’s the base form of the verb. We often use non-finite verbs with other words to give more information about an action. For example, in I like to swim–> to swim is a non-finite verb. It doesn’t tell when the swimming happens, but it still shows an action.

Differences Between Finite and Non-finite Verb

Finite Verbs:

  • Time Indicator:
    Finite verbs are used to tell us when an action happens—whether it’s in the past, present, or future.
    For example, in  She runs every morning, –> runs shows it’s happening now.
  • Person and Number:
    They also give us hints about who is doing the action and how many people are involved in doing the action.
    Example:
    They have completed the assignment, –> have, tells us the number of people preforming the action.
  • Match with Subject:
    It is required for Finite verbs to match the person and number of the subject in a sentence.
    Example:
    He is my friend –> is here is a  different from They are my friends.

Non-finite Verbs:

  • No Time Clue:
    Non-finite verbs are not supposed to tell us when something is happening.
    Example:
    I want to travel the world,–> to travel here  doesn’t tell the specific time of action.
  • No Person or Number:
    They don’t give any details about who is doing the action or how many people are involved in the action.
    Example:
    She enjoys reading novels. Here, the subject she is not specified, does not tell who really enjoys.
  • No Need to Match:
    finite verbs are different from  non-finite verbs, because non-finite verbs are not supposed to agree to the subject.
    Example:
    She plans to dance. Here the verb  doesn’t change even if the subject is different.

Examples of finite and Nonfinite verbs

Finite verbs:

  • She sings beautifully.
  • We were waiting for hours.
  • They ate dinner together.
  • He writes novels in his free time.
  • The dog barks loudly at night.

Nonfinite verbs:

  • She enjoys swimming in the ocean.
  • They plan to travel around the world.
  • He loves playing the guitar.
  • She decided to study abroad.
  • They watched the birds flying overhead.

Finite and Nonfinite Verb Forms

Finite verb forms:

  • Present tense: She walks to school every day.
  • Present continuous tense: They are reading a book together.
  • Present perfect tense: He has completed his homework.
  • Past tense: The birds were chirping loudly.
  • Future tense: I will call you later.

Nonfinite verb forms:

  • Infinitive: She likes to dance in the rain.
  • Gerund: They enjoy eating at fancy restaurants.
  • Infinitive: He wanted to go on an adventure.
  • Infinitive: She tried to bake a cake for the first time.
  • Gerund: They heard him singing in the shower.

Gerunds:

A gerund is a word that is like a verb but it functions like a noun. It’s made by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. Gerunds are used to talk about actions as things or activities. For example, in the sentence – Swimming is fun.
–>swimming  is a gerund because it’s tells about an activity.

Gerund Examples:

  • I enjoy singing in the shower.
  • Dancing is a great way to stay active.
  • Writing is her passion and profession.
  • The team celebrated by cheering loudly.
  • Cooking with friends can be a lot of fun.
  • His favorite pastime is fishing by the river.
  • Reading a good book is a relaxing activity.
  • We appreciate your help with cleaning the house.
  • Running in the morning energizes me for the day.
  • The kids had a blast playing in the park.
  • Reading books is often very enjoyable.
  • Seeing the ocean for the first time is incredible.
  • Swimming is a great form of exercise.
  • I enjoy reading novels in my free time.
  • Writing allows me to express my thoughts.
  • Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes.
  • Cooking can be a creative and relaxing activity.
  • He suggested going for a walk after dinner.
  • Running in the morning energizes me for the day.
  • They discussed the importance of learning new skills.
  • She has a passion for dancing at social events.
  • I appreciate your help with cleaning the house.
Gerund Example Sentences

Gerund Sentences


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