Verbs are the heart of sentences, but not all of them work in the same way. It is said that verbs reflect tenses and agree with subjects. However, Non-Finite verb do not adhere to these rules in English grammar, and are considered unique. In this blog, we aimed to provide you with precise and structured insights into these verbs. This will include the non-finite verb meaning, types, key traits, and proper usage. Besides, you will come across well-designed worksheets with answers and some practical examples. So, let’s master this grammatical concept!
Table of Contents
By definition, a non-finite verb is a kind of verb that does not show number, tenses and cannot serve as the main verb in an independent clause. In a practical sense, it can never serve as the action.
Let’s see what the official dictionaries have to say about non-finites:
According to the Collins Dictionary, a non-finite verb is “an infinitive or a participle and has no tense”. The other non-finite verb definition by the Oxford Learners’ Dictionary states that “a verb form or clause that does not show a particular tense, person or number is non-finite.”
Interestingly, they are known to be multifunctional verbs that serve as adverbs, nouns, subjects, objects, and adjectives within a sentence. There are basically three types of Non-Finite verbs, which you will come across in the next section.
Knowing the types not only helps you find their significant role in sentences but also helps you learn English in the right manner. Gerunds, infinitives (infinite verb), and participles are such types. Refer to the table below for a deep understanding of these types:
|
TYPES |
MEANING |
EXAMPLES |
|
Gerunds |
A verb that acts like a noun and can serve as the subject or object of a sentence. They can be created using active or helping verbs. |
Swimming every day keeps one energetic. Pratiksha enjoys dancing at bashes. Reading helps me improve my vocabulary. They talked about traveling to Indonesia. Prakhar’s hobby is collecting toy cars. |
|
Infinitives |
The infinitive, sometimes also known as the infinite verb, is the basic dictionary form of a verb. It is typically preceded by “to”. A bare infinitive is a form where a non-finite verb is not followed by “to”. |
Radhika wants to learn the English language. To win the trophy is his dream. He planned to visit his great-grandparents. Ravi is too tired to work today. Niharika needs a pen to write a letter. |
|
Participles (Present) |
This verb form ends with “-ing”, such as watching, writing, and more. Modifies nouns or pronouns by functioning as adjectives. |
The cat is sleeping. The falling leaves covered the ground. The running water made a soothing sound They were singing beautifully. She has been working all day. |
|
Participles (Past) |
This form of participle often ends with “-en”, “-ed”, or “-t”, such as seen, eaten, or lost. Modifies nouns or pronouns by functioning as adjectives. |
The cake was baked by Anna. She has spoken to the doctor. The letter was written by one of my friends. He had fallen from the tree. The students had studied for the exam. |
To enhance your ability to construct more flexible, clearer, and varied sentences, it is crucial to understand the key traits of non-finite verbs. Similarly, it is important to improve your writing and speaking skills in the English language.
Knowing how the types of non-finite verbs function as other parts of speech, such as adjectives, nouns, and more, allows you to have a deep and fine understanding. Hence, as you are now familiar with non-finite verb meaning, probe the points given below as its features:
1. It does not show tense, i.e., it’s neutral.
2. It does not have subject-verb agreement.
3. It sometimes acts as other parts of speech, such as adverbs, nouns, and adjectives, in a sentence.
4. It is of three types: infinitives, gerunds, and participles (past and present).
5. It can never serve as an action (main verb) in a sentence.
6. It always appears in the base form of verbs, the -ing form, or the past participle form.
7. It also serves other grammatical roles, such as subjects and objects.
8. It helps in the formation of complex sentences.
We use non-finite verbs without knowing their importance or giving a second thought to grammar. But it can lead you to become mundane, and you might miss creativity. Thus, we have a curated list of a few reasons that will help you think more about these. Let us step forward and read about it!
Reason 1: To reduce word count and maintain readability using gerunds.
Reason 2: To combine various sentences and form a better sentence structure using participles.
Reason 3: To replace “in order to” with an infinitive, i.e., “to”.
Understanding English grammar can be tough sometimes. It is because one single term can be used as a noun, a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. Here, it becomes crucial to acknowledge the ways in which you can identify the use of non-finite verbs in sentences effectively based on their types. Let us look:
1. Gerunds: Verb forms ending with “-ing and can be used as subjects, objects, or complements.
2. Infinitive: Verb forms usually with “to” and can be used as nouns, adverbs, and adjectives.
3. Participles: Verb forms with adding “-ing” to base verbs in present participles and “-ed / -en” in past participles. It can be used to modify nouns and pronouns.
The following are the two best non-finite verbs exercises with answers. Solve them one by one and check your understanding.
Worksheet 1
Instructions: Identify the gerunds in the sentences below and mention their roles (subject, object, complement, etc.).
1. Swimming is good exercise.
2. I enjoy reading books in my free time.
3. His favourite hobby is painting.
4. She is interested in learning new languages.
5. They discussed opening a new branch.
6. Running helps me stay fit.
7. I look forward to meeting you.
8. Avoid making loud noises in the library.
9. Teaching requires patience.
10. The secret to winning is practising daily.
Answers to Worksheet 1
| GERUND | ROLE |
|---|---|
| 1. Swimming | Subject |
| 2. Reading | Object |
| 3. Painting | Subject Complement |
| 4. Learning | Object of Preposition (in) |
| 5. Opening | Object |
| 6. Running | Subject |
| 7. Meeting | Object of Preposition (to) |
| 8. Making | Object |
| 9. Teaching | Subject |
| 10. Winning, Practising | Object of preposition (to), Subject Complement |
Worksheet 2
Instructions: Identify the non-finite verb (gerund, participle, or infinitive) in each sentence and classify it.
1. To win the game is his ultimate goal.
2. The crying baby needs attention.
3. She hopes to travel around the world.
4. I saw him running down the street.
5. Baking cookies is fun.
6. The broken window needs repair.
7. They decided to postpone the meeting.
8. Reading improves your vocabulary.
9. We heard the birds singing in the morning.
10. He has a lot of work to finish before noon.
Answers to Worksheet 2
| NON-FINITE VERB | TYPE | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| 1. To win | Infinitive | Subject |
| 2. Crying | Present participle | Adjective (modifies baby) |
| 3. To travel | Infinitive | Object |
| 4. Running | Present participle | Object complement |
| 5. Baking | Gerund | Subject |
| 6. Broken | Present participle | Adjective (modifies window) |
| 7. To postpone | Infinitive | Object |
| 8. Reading | Gerund | Subject |
| 9. Singing | Present participle | Object complement |
| 10. To finish | Infinitive | Adjective (modifies work) |
So, here we are! Mastering the concept of non-finite verbs is essential to building expressive and strong sentences in English. Moreover, with a strong command of gerunds, infinitives, and participles, you can easily draft a clear and exclusive sentence, offering variety.
The non-finite verb examples provided in this blog, along with a comprehensive non-finite verb chart, serve as a practical toolkit to find and effectively use them.
Thus, whether you are speaking or writing in the English language, these verb forms add something great. Practice regularly and elevate the grammar gam with confidence!
1. What is the difference between finite and non-finite verbs?
Ans. In English Grammar, verbs are further categorised into various types, and finite & Non-Finite Verbs are part of it. Grammatically, verbs that change in respect to the tense, i.e., past, present, and future, and show the right subject-verb agreement are called finite verbs. On the other hand, non-finite verbs are totally opposite and do not show subject and tense agreement. Look at the examples below:
2. Give non-finite clause examples.
Ans. A non-finite clause is a clause that includes a non-finite verb and does not count it as the main verb of the line. The following examples will help you understand better:
3. Are modal verbs finite or non-finite?
Ans. Model verbs, like could, can, might, may, should, and will, are deemed as finite verbs. It is because they reflect on the tenses and moods, and are also directly connected with the subject. For example:
Also, modal verbs are always used with a base form of the main verb, such as can write, should visit, might come, and will do.
4. Is every verb ending in “-ing” a non-finite verb?
Ans. No, not every verb ending with “-ing” is a non-finite. The “-ing” form can be used as a finite verb in continuous tenses or as a non-finite verb when acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Examples:
Thus, context matters.
5. Can non-finite verbs function as subjects or objects?
Ans. Yes, non-finite verbs often act as subjects or objects in sentences. When used as gerunds or infinitives, they function like nouns. They do not show tense, but can play pivotal grammatical roles in sentence layout.
Examples:
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