Finite and Non finite verbs examples and types class 9

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.

Examples of finite verbs are:

1. Hazel tripped on a piece of wire.

Verb: tripped

Subject: Hazel

Tense: simple past tense

2. Chandu will be late on the first day of work.

Verb: will be

Subject: Chandu

Tense: simple future tense

3. 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.

Examples of non finite verb are:

1. Reading is a hobby I enjoy the most.

2. The teacher made Samantha read the book.

3. Krish is repairing the sewing machine.

4. The serrated blade is used to cut bread.


Types of Non-finite Verbs: 

There are three types of non-finite verbs

1.  Gerunds

2.  Participles

3.  Infinitives

1.1Gerunds:

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.

Examples of gerunds verbs:

  • 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.

2.1 Participles

Participles are verbs which function as adjectives.

Types of participles

  • Past participles (end in '-en' or '-ed')
  • Present participles (end in '-ing')

Examples of participle verbs:

  • 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.

3.1 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

Examples of infinitives verbs are:

  • 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.

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