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.