Verbs, in particular, play a significant role in the structure and meaning of a sentence. Among them, finite and non-finite verbs stand out due to their distinct characteristics and functions. Thus, here in this blog, we will discuss the non-finite verb, which is often not used as the main verb of the sentence. This verb acts quite differently from those other verbs. In this blog, we aimed to provide you with precise and structured insights into these verbs. It includes the meaning of these verbs with their types, rules, and samples. Besides, you will also get the worksheet with answers and some practical examples. Let's dive into it.
Table of Contents
Non-finites in English grammar are verb forms that do not show tense or agree with the subject. They include gerunds, particles, and infinitives. Unlike finite, non-infinite verbs definition does not act like the main verbs of the sentence. In contrast, the sentence around them may be past, present, or future, and the non-finite verbs themselves are neutral. It serves to express the actions, states, or conditions in a broader grammatical context.
Examples of non-finite verbs:
1. To see (infinitive)
2. Seeing (gerund)
3. Saw (participle)
Knowing the types of non-finite verbs is crucial as it helps to identify their roles in a sentence. This is crucial for grammar questions in the exams and for improving your English language fluency.
A gerund is the “ing” form of a verb that functions as a noun. Even though it looks like a present participle, a gerund is not used to describe a continuous action. Despite this, it represents the action as a concept or a thing.
Examples of gerund verbs:
1. Reading improves your mind (subject of the verb is reading)
2. I enjoy reading books (object of the verb is enjoy)
A particle is a verb form that functions as an adjectives or a part of a verb phrase. Participles can be present and past, and they modify nouns or pronouns in a sentence.
Example - The running water is cold.
Example - She has finished her homework.
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word ‘to’. They do not indicate tense and can be used in various ways in a sentence.
Example - She loves to read books.
All these kinds of non-finite verbs helps you to improve your editing, writing, and exam performance.
Finite and non-finite verbs are two different types of verbs in English. Finite verbs are the ones that are conjugated with the subject in a sentence. They indicate the person, number, and tense of the subject. Whereas non-infinite verbs are not conjugated with the subject of the sentence. They do not indicate the person, number, or tense of the subject.
Thus, the difference between the finite and non-finite verbs is mentioned in the form of a table below. Check it out for better understanding.
| Finite verb | Non finite verb |
|---|---|
| 1. Finite verbs are used to represent tense, person, or number. | Non-finite verbs have no tense. |
| 2. Finite verbs always agree with the subject acting in the sentence. | Non finite verbs do not agree with the subject in the sentence. |
| 3. Finite verbs take the simple present and the simple past form of the particular verb. | Non finite verbs can be used in thier infinitive, present participles and past participle forms. |
| 4. A finite verb appears to be the part of an independent clause and can help the clause stand alone by making complete sense of what is being conveyed. | A non-finite verb often constitutes a phrase and does not make sense when considered separately. |
Learning how to use an infinite word in a sentence can be quite easy if you know how finite verb works. Unlike finite verbs, non-finite verbs do not include main verbs and do not show any tense. For example in the sentence “ The traveller, eager to explore new horizons, packed a backpack. Here, the main verb is packed. While the infinitive ‘to explore’ is a non-finite verb in an adjective phrase. Thus, it becomes a crucial to acknowledge the ways in which you can identify non-finite verbs in sentences effectively based on their types. Let us look.
The following is the non-finite verb chart with answers. Solve them one by one and check your understanding.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of non-finite verbs in the following sentences:
1. __________ (walk) along the pavement, Robin found a stack of cash.
2. Lorry likes ________ (eat) raw vegetables.
3. ___________ (finish) the household work, Sandhya went out to buy groceries.
4. _________ (stretch) out his small hands, he begged for some food as he was hungry.
5. Not _________ (know) what to do, I asked Nivin for help.
6. Today, _______ (be) a very hot day, I decided not to go to my cousin’s house.
7. Prerna loves _______ (dance).
8. We read ________ (survive) the intellectual world.
9. Adarsh, the new marketing manager, is easy _______ (cope) with.
10. He is too thin ______ (lift) that box all the way up to the thirteenth floor.
Find out if your answers match the answers given below.
1. Walking along the pavement, Robin found a stack of cash.
2. Lorry likes to eat raw vegetables.
3. Having finished the household work, Sandhya went out to buy groceries.
4. Stretching out his small hands, he begged for some food as he was hungry.
5. Not knowing what to do, I asked Nivin for help.
6. Today, being a very hot day, I decided not to go to my cousin’s house.
7. Prerna loves to dance.
8. We read to survive the intellectual world.
9. Adarsh, the new marketing manager, is easy to cope with.
10. He is too thin to lift that box all the way up to the thirteenth floor.
To sum up, learning the non-finite verb meaning is essential to building expressive and strong sentences in English. These verb forms, while not showing tense, person, or number, are crucial for expressing complex ideas and relationships. Remember that nonfinite verbs can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and they help create the rich, complex sentence structures that make English expressive. Practice identifying and using infinitives, gerunds, and participles correctly. Thus, you need to understand the uses of non-finite verbs to enhance your writing and speaking skills. In case you face a problem regarding the same, contact the experts from gradding.com. They will clear all your doubts and help you in the exam journey.
1. How can You Identify a Finite Verb in a Sentence?
Look for verb forms that lack tense markers (like ed or ing for past and present tenses). Non-finite verb often functions as nouns, adjectives, and not as the main verb of the clause.
2. Can an Infinite Verb Act as the Main Verb?
No, an infinite verb cannot act as the main verb. They need to be supported by the auxiliary verbs to form complete thoughts.
3. What are Common Mistakes in Non-Finite Verbs?
One of the most common mistake in non-finite verbs is not using auxiliary verbs, resulting in incomplete sentences.
4. How do Non-Finite Verbs make Writing more Concise?
Non finite verb makes writing more concise by reducing the number of words needed to express an idea. They often replace longer phase with shorter. For example, instead of because we wanted to help, we can write ‘to help.This eliminates the need for a subordinate clause, resulting in a more concise sentence.
5. Why are Non-Finite Verbs Important?
They are essential for creating complex sentences, expressing purposes and functioning as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
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