Finite and Nonfinite Verbs
A finite verb is a word like break, work, broke, sing, write etc. Finite verbs change
their form according to the number and person of the subject. For instance, when
the subject is a singular noun, the finite verb ‘break’ changes its form into ‘
breaks’. Finite verbs are also governed by the tenses. For instance, when the
sentence is in the simple past tense, the finite verb ‘break’ changes its form into ‘
broke.’ Similarly, ‘work’ changes into ‘worked’ and ‘sing’ changes into ‘sang’ in
the past tense.
Non-finite verbs do not change their form according to the number and person of
the subject.
Examples are gerunds, participles and infinitives.
I like reading.
He likes reading.
Here the verb ‘like’ is finite because it changes its form according to the number
and person of the subject. The gerund ‘reading’ is non-finite because it does not
change its form according to the number and person of the subject.
Reading books is my hobby. (Reading – non finite; is – finite)
Reading books is his hobby.
Having read the book I returned it to the library. (Having read – non finite;
returned – finite)
Nonfinite verbs are classified into three types such as:
● Infinitives
● Participles
● Gerunds
Infinitives: Such type of nonfinite verb is considered the "base" form and uses the
word ‘to’ before them. It functions as noun phrases, or modifiers of nouns. Such
as:
● He needs to go to walk. (Nonfinite verb phrase is ‘to walk’; acting as a
noun)
Participles: This type of nonfinite verb uses ‘-ing’ or ‘-ed’ as suffix. It is used as
an adjective modifying the noun. Such as:
● The sleeping gatekeeper caused a delay. (Nonfinite verb is ‘sleeping’)
● He is solving my issue.
● I have solved the problems.
● Problems were solved.
Gerunds: It appears in positions reserved for nouns. It also ends in ‘-ing’. They
typically appear as the subject or object noun phrases. Such as:
● I like drinking (Here the non-finite verb is ‘drinking’)
● Drinking milk is good.
● Jogging is good for health.
● I have started jogging.
Exercise: Identify the finite and non-finite verbs in the following sentences.
1. He gave me a chair to sit.
2. It was a sight to see.
3. I want to buy some clothes.
4. Barking dogs seldom bite.
5. He is about to leave.
6. It is time to start.
7. He was wearing a torn shirt.
8. He had his shoes polished.
9. They got the roof repaired.
10. Finding the door open I went inside
Exercise: Identify the non-finite verbs in the following sentences.
1. Are you reading?
2. I struggle to live.
3. He can't go with her.
4. He has gone out of station.
5. Going faster is dangerous for kids.
6. I do not go to school.
7. All the teachers have gone away to the university.
8. I am going to the studio tonight.
9. Reading is good for the mind.
10. I don’t have time to talk.
11. I am coming from the market.
12. I have to go, its urgent.
13. I want to go to the market.
14. Cooking is my favorite hobby.
15. We were dropped off at the camp.
16. The freshly cooked cookies are tasty.
17. I am going with her.
18. I like going swimming.
19. Doctor suggested going for a walk daily.
20. I saw her going up the stairs.
21. The sleeping watchman is very careless.
22. I saw a snake going across the river.
Exercise: Circle the participle in the sentences below.
1. The burning building collapsed on the street.
2. We loved the laughing baby.
3. The charming salesman convinced the very tall man to buy a tiny car.
4. The proud mother looked at her grown children and knew she had raised
them well.
5. The poor child had a worn coat with no buttons.
6. The excited fan screamed when she saw the singer.
7. Kind Mrs. Carter helped the shaken victim to a chair.
8. The boring speech put the audience to sleep.
Exercise: Circle the infinitive in each sentence below.
1. “To conquer Mount Everest is my goal!” exclaimed Erika.
2. In the past, Burton was terrified to play the tuba on Tuesdays.
3. “To succeed takes courage, foresight and luck,” announced Nik to an
awestruck Cameron.
4. Afraid to move, Evan froze in terror as the huge cobra slithered over his left
toe.
Answers-
Exercise: Identify the finite and non-finite verbs in the following sentences.
1. He gave me a chair to sit. (F, NF)
2. It was a sight to see.(F,NF)
3. I want to buy some clothes. (F,NF)
4. Barking dogs seldom bite.(NF,F)
5. He is about to leave.(F,NF)
6. It is time to start.(F,NF)
7. He was wearing a torn shirt.(F,NF)
8. He had his shoes polished.( F,NF)
9. They got the roof repaired.(F,NF)
10. Finding the door open I went inside. (NF,F)
Exercise: Identify the non-finite verbs in the following sentences.
1. Are you reading?
2. I struggle to live.
3. He can't go with her.
4. He has gone out of station.
5. Going faster is dangerous for kids.
6. I do not go to school.
7. All the teachers have gone away to the university.
8. I am going to the studio tonight.
9. Reading is good for the mind.
10. I don’t have time to talk.
11. I am coming from the market.
12. I have to go, its urgent.
13. I want to go to the market.
14. Cooking is my favorite hobby.
15. We were dropped off at the camp.
16. The freshly cooked cookies are tasty.
17. I am going with her.
18. I like going swimming.
19. Doctor suggested going for a walk daily.
20. I saw her going up the stairs.
21. The sleeping watchman is very careless.
22. I saw a snake going across the river.
Exercise: Circle the participle in the sentence below.
1. The burning building collapsed on the street.
2. We loved the laughing baby.
3. The charming salesman convinced the very tall man to buy a tiny car.
4. The proud mother looked at her grown children and knew she had raised them
well.
5. The poor child had a worn coat with no buttons.
6. The excited fan screamed when she saw the singer.
7. Kind Mrs. Carter helped the shaken victim to a chair.
8. The boring speech put the audience to sleep.
Exercise: Circle the infinitive in each sentence below.
1. “To conquer Mount Everest is my goal!” exclaimed Erika.
2. In the past, Burton was terrified to play the tuba on Tuesdays.
3. “To succeed takes courage, foresight and luck,” announced Nik to an
awestruck Cameron.
4. Afraid to move, Evan froze in terror as the huge cobra slithered over his left
toe.
