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.
Finite and Non-finite Verbs:
What is the finite verb?
A finite verb is a verb that has a subject and indicates tense, person, and sometimes number. It carries the main meaning of the sentence and changes form based on the tense (past, present, future) and the subject.
- 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 form that does not show tense, person, or number. Unlike finite verbs, which act as the main verb in a sentence and show agreement with the subject, non-finite verbs cannot stand alone as the main verb.
- He decided to study all night for the exam.
- Swimming in the ocean is my favorite activity.
- The shining stars lit up the night sky.
Types of Non-Finite Verbs
Non-finite verbs do not show tense, person, or number. They cannot act as the main verb in a sentence. There are three types of non-finite verbs:
1. Infinitives
Infinitives are the base form of the verb, often preceded by “to” (e.g., to eat, to run, to study).
- She wants to learn Spanish.
2. Gerunds
A gerund is a verb ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun.
- Swimming is my favorite hobby.
3. Participles
Present participles end in “-ing” (e.g., running, singing).
Past participles often end in “-ed” or “-en” (e.g., broken, finished).
- The crying baby needed attention. (present participle)
- She has finished her work. (past participle)
Differences Between Finite and Non-Finite Verbs
| Feature | Finite Verbs | Non-Finite Verbs |
|---|---|---|
| Shows tense | Yes | No |
| Changes with subject | Yes | No |
| Can be the main verb | Yes | No |
| Examples | He runs fast. | He likes to run. |
Common Mistakes
1: Using a Non-Finite Verb as a Main Verb
❌ She to go to the market yesterday.
✅ She went to the market yesterday.
2. Confusing Gerunds with Present Participles
❌ I am running is fun. (incorrect)
✅ Running is fun. (correct, gerund as a noun)
3. Incorrect Use of Infinitives and Gerunds
❌ He suggested to go to the park.
✅ He suggested going to the park.
Examples of Finite and Non-Finite Verbs in Sentences
- She writes a letter.
- They are playing football.
- I want to visit Paris.
- Reading books helps improve knowledge.
- The broken glass was on the floor.
- He enjoys swimming in the ocean.
- The running water sounds relaxing.
- She was dancing at the party.
- We planned to travel next week.
- The cat chased the mouse.
Example Sentences with Gerunds
- Reading books improves vocabulary.
- She enjoys singing in the shower.
- Swimming is a great way to stay fit.
- He dislikes waking up early.
- Traveling to new places is exciting.
- They avoided talking about the issue.
- Dancing makes her happy.
- I love cooking Italian food.
- Watching movies is my favorite hobby.
- He suggested going to the park.
- Listening to music helps me relax.
- She kept laughing at his jokes.
- Writing in a journal helps with stress.
- I don’t mind waiting for a few minutes.
- Learning new skills is important.
- He finished doing his homework.
- Running every morning keeps me active.
- She enjoys painting landscapes.
- Helping others gives me joy.
- We discussed changing our travel plans.
FAQs about Finite and Non-Finite Verbs
1. What is the main difference between finite and non-finite verbs?
Answer: Finite verbs show tense and subject agreement (e.g., She writes a letter), while non-finite verbs do not show tense and cannot act as the main verb (e.g., She wants to write a letter).
2. Can a sentence have both finite and non-finite verbs?
Answer: Yes! A sentence can contain both types. Example: She wants to learn Spanish. (“wants” is finite, “to learn” is non-finite).
3. What are the three types of non-finite verbs?
Answer: The three types of non-finite verbs are:
- Infinitives (e.g., to run, to eat)
- Gerunds (e.g., running, eating)
- Participles (e.g., broken, running)
4. How can I identify a finite verb in a sentence?
Answer: A finite verb changes based on the tense and the subject. Example:
- She eats apples every day. (Present)
- She ate an apple yesterday. (Past)
5. Do all sentences need a finite verb?
Answer: Yes, every complete sentence must have at least one finite verb to indicate tense and subject agreement. Non-finite verbs alone cannot form a complete sentence.
Conclusion
Understanding finite and non-finite verbs is essential for proper sentence construction. Finite verbs express tense and subject agreement, while non-finite verbs (infinitives, gerunds, and participles) serve other roles like acting as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Avoiding common mistakes and practicing examples will help improve your grammar skills.
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