Finites, Non-finites, Participles
What are Finite Verbs and Non-finite Verbs?
Finite Verb
A finite verb is a form of a verb which has a subject and a tense.
Hazel tripped on a piece of wire.
Verb: tripped
Subject: Hazel
Tense: simple past tense
Chandu will be late on the first day of work.
Verb: will be
Subject: Chandu
Tense: simple future tense
Meena has arrived in Delhi.
Verb: has arrived
Subject: Meena
Tense: present perfect tense
Non-finite Verb
A non-finite verb is a form of verb which has no subject and no tense.
Reading is a hobby I enjoy the most.
The teacher made Samantha read the book.
Krish is repairing the sewing machine.
The serrated blade is used to cut bread.
Types of Non-finite Verbs
There are three types of non-finite verbs:
Gerunds
Participles
Infinitives
Gerunds
Gerunds are verbs which end in '-ing' but function like nouns in a sentence.
They can play the role of a subject as well as an object.
Talking is discouraged in this camp.
Marushka took up singing.
Nagging is something I cannot tolerate.
I love sleeping till late in the evening.
We forbid you from cheating.
Participles
Participles are verbs which function as adjectives.
Types of participles
Past participles (end in '-en' or '-ed')
Present participles (end in '-ing')
The reading glasses were kept on the dining table.
The host served frozen desserts to the guests.
Priya bought a brand new sewing machine.
Harita and Vrinda sold baked goods at the carnival.
Infinitives
A verb form where the word 'to' is followed by a simple form of a verb is known as an infinitive.
Sometimes, 'to' is implied or absent in an infinitive.
An infinitive is used to show the purpose or function of a particular action or thing.
Mayuri is going to the market to buy some vegetables.
I need some tools to fix our creaky doors.
The teachers made us read the book out aloud.
Gertrude is going to see a movie this weekend.
