FINITE & NON-FINITE VERBS

WHAT IS FINITE VERB?

A verb which is limited by number and person of its subject is called a finite verb. The boy
ate an apple. She wrote me a letter. She comes to school regularly.
WHAT IS NON-FINITE VERB?
A verb which is unlimited or not limited by the subject is called Non- Finite Verb. It does not
change for person, number and Tense. It does not have Tense forms.
The girl wants to eat. Hearing the noise, they came out. Walking is a good exercise. Verb
can be classified into two types. 1. Finite Verb. 2. Non-finite Verb

Non-finite verbs can be of four types. They are:

1. Infinitive. 2. Gerund. 3. Present Participle. 4. Past Participle.
THE INFINITIVE – VERBAL NOUN
When the infinitive is used like a noun it is called noun infinitive or simple infinitive.
Infinitives can be of two types. They are ‘To infinitives’ and ‘Bare infinitives’.
TO INFINITIVES
The ‘To infinitive’ is formed by adding ‘to’ before the Present form of the Main Verb.
To + play. To+ dance. To + sing. To + write. To + play
Infinitives is used as the Subject of a verb;
To swim is a good exercise. To smoke is injurious to health. To err is human.
To solve this problem is difficult.
Infinitive is used as the Object of a transitive verb;
The child tries to draw a picture. The boy wants to play cards.
She desires to sing a song. I like to eat an ice cream.
Infinitive is used as an object of an adverb;
Kamal works hard to win the fame. The boy ran fast to post the letter.
Infinitive is used as the complement of a verb;
Girls are to go home early. Her greatest pleasure is to sing.
She seems to be mad. She appears to be good girl.
His wish is to become a manager. John’s happiness is to help the poor.
BARE - INFINITIVES
‘Bare infinitive’ is formed with present form of Main Verb without ‘to’.
Bare-infinitives can be used after the following verbs. Hear, see, notice, watch, bid, dare,
feel, make, let, help etc.
The teacher made the boys study. They let us enter the hall. I heard him cry with
pain. You need not go there. I bid him do it.

THE GERUND – VERBAL NOUN

WHAT IS GERUND?
A gerund is that form of the verb which ends in ‘ing’ and has the force of a noun and a verb.
It also can be called verbal noun.
Gerund is used as the Subject of the verb:
Walking is a good exercise. Smoking is injurious to health. Reading is a good habit.
Gerund is used as the Object of the verb:
Stop playing. Stop smoking. I like reading English poem. I love teaching the students.
Gerund is used as the Object of preposition:
John is found of swimming. She is interested in singing. I have no idea of going there.
Gerund is used as Complement:
Seeing is believing. His only aim was winning. My aim is passing the exam. My hobby is
gardening.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE – VERBAL ADJECTIVE
What is the difference between Gerund and Participle?
Gerund is used as a verbal noun. Participle is used as a verbal adjective.
What is Present Participle?
A Present Participle is partly a verb and partly an adjective. It is also called a verbal
adjective. It is formed by adding ‘ing’ to the present form verb.
sing + ing = singing. play + ing = playing.
Drinking water is contaminated. Hearing the noise, they were afraid.
Carrying a basket full of flowers. Knocking the door, he went in.
THE USES OF PRESENT PARTICIPLE:
The present participle with ‘be form’ verbs form continuous tense.
am + playing. is + coming. are + studying. I am playing football. She is talking to her
friend.
The present participle with other words form participle phrase.
Seeing the dog, he ran away. Being tired, he took rest. On hearing the news, he was
shocked.
PAST PARTICIPLE – VERBAL ADJECTIVE
Past Participle indicates completed action. The third form of the Main Verb is called Past
Participle. Go – went – gone. Meet – met – met.
Long forgotten books, were found out.
Worn out clothes, was given for washing.
The broken chair, was thrown out.
THE USES OF PAST PARTICIPLE:
Past participle with other words make participle phrases.
The broken chair was thrown out.
Only known persons were allowed.
Having written the homework, he went to bed.
Having finished his eating, he took rest.
Past participle with ‘have verbs’ form Perfect Tense.
If you had asked me, I would have helped you. She has accepted to pay her dues.