Finite and Non-finite Verbs
Introduction
In English grammar, verbs play a crucial role in forming sentences and conveying actions, states, or occurrences. Verbs are categorized into two main types: finite and non-finite. A thorough understanding of these categories and their subtypes is essential for mastering English grammar, especially at the high school level, where more complex sentence structures are used.
Finite Verbs
Definition:
Finite verbs are verbs that have a specific subject and show tense, number, and person. They change form based on the subject and the time of action, indicating whether the action occurs in the present, past, or future.
Examples:
She runs every morning. (Present tense, third person singular)
They ran yesterday. (Past tense, third person plural)
We will go to the park tomorrow. (Future tense, first person plural)
Key Characteristics:
They can stand alone as the main verb of a clause or sentence.
They agree with the subject in number and person.
They change form to indicate tense (e.g., run, runs, ran, will run).
Non-finite Verbs
Definition:
Non-finite verbs do not change form based on the subject or tense. They do not function as the main verb of a clause but serve other grammatical functions, such as acting as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Types of Non-finite Verbs
Non-finite verbs come in three forms: infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
Infinitives
Definition:
Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word "to."
Examples:
to run
to eat
to read
Types of Infinitives:
Bare Infinitive: The base form of the verb without "to."
Example: She made me laugh.
Full Infinitive: The base form of the verb with "to."
Example: I want to learn.
Usage in Sentences:
As a subject:
To read is fun.
To dance is her passion.
As an object:
She likes to swim.
He decided to study.
As an adjective:
He has a lot of work to do.
This is the best time to start.
As an adverb:
She came to help us.
They left early to avoid traffic.
Gerunds
Definition:
Gerunds are verbs that end in "-ing" and function as nouns.
Examples:
swimming
reading
dancing
Usage in Sentences:
As a subject:
Reading is my hobby.
Swimming is good exercise.
As an object:
I enjoy swimming.
They love reading.
After prepositions:
She is good at dancing.
They talked about traveling.
After certain verbs:
He suggested going for a walk.
I avoid eating junk food.
Participles
Definition:
Participles are verb forms that can function as adjectives or as parts of verb tenses. There are two types of participles: present participle and past participle.
Types of Participles:
Present Participle: Ends in "-ing."
Example: The running water is cold.
Example: The laughing child was happy.
Past Participle: Usually ends in "-ed," "-d," "-t," "-en," or "-n."
Example: The baked cake smells delicious.
Example: The broken window was fixed.
Perfect Participle: Formed using "having" + past participle.
Example: Having finished the project, she took a break.
Example: Having eaten dinner, they went for a walk.
Usage in Sentences:
As an adjective:
The crying baby needs attention.
The baked bread smells wonderful.
As part of a verb tense:
She has finished her homework. (Present Perfect)
They were playing in the park. (Past Continuous)
In participial phrases:
Running quickly, he reached the station on time.
Excited about the trip, she packed her bags early.
Having read the book, he understood the movie better.
Having been warned, they were cautious.
Solved Exercises
Exercise 1: Identify whether the underlined verb is finite or non-finite.
She wants to travel the world.
Non-finite (Infinitive)
They are playing in the park.
Finite
Reading books is enjoyable.
Non-finite (Gerund)
He wrote a letter yesterday.
Finite
The running water is cold.
Non-finite (Present Participle)
Having completed the assignment, she felt relieved.
Non-finite (Perfect Participle)
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
She likes (swim) _______________ in the ocean.
to swim (Infinitive)
(Cook) _______________ is one of her hobbies.
Cooking (Gerund)
They found the (lose) _______________ keys.
lost (Past Participle)
We need (finish) _______________ the project by tomorrow.
to finish (Infinitive)
The (bark) _______________ dog kept us awake.
barking (Present Participle)
(Have finish) _______________ the race, he collapsed in exhaustion.
Having finished (Perfect Participle)
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences using infinitives, gerunds, or participles as indicated.
She loves singing. (Rewrite using an infinitive)
She loves to sing.
He is good at playing chess. (Rewrite using a gerund)
Playing chess is something he is good at.
The car that was damaged in the accident was repaired. (Rewrite using a past participle)
The damaged car was repaired.
The man who is standing by the door is my uncle. (Rewrite using a present participle)
The man standing by the door is my uncle.
After he finished his homework, he watched TV. (Rewrite using a perfect participle)
Having finished his homework, he watched TV.
Summary
Understanding the differences between finite and non-finite verbs, and knowing how to use infinitives, gerunds, and participles, are crucial for constructing accurate and varied sentences. Non-finite verbs add flexibility and depth to writing, enabling more complex sentence structures. Mastering these forms enhances writing and speaking skills, making communication more effective and sophisticated. The inclusion of perfect participles further enriches sentence structure, allowing for more precise and nuanced expression.