Finite and Non-finite Verbs (Definition, Rules, Examples & Exercises)

In the previous lesson, we learned that verbs are broadly divided into Finite Verbs and Non-finite Verbs.

Understanding the difference between these two types is essential because it forms the foundation for learning tenses, voice, narration, gerunds, infinitives, and participles.

In this lesson, you will learn:

• What are Finite Verbs?
• What are Non-finite Verbs?
• Differences between them
• Types of Non-finite Verbs
• Examples
• Common mistakes
• Exercises with answers

What is a Finite Verb?

Read the following sentences.

• We play football every evening.
• Geeta plays football every evening.
• Rajat played football yesterday.

Notice the highlighted verbs:

• play
• plays
• played

The verb changes according to:

• Subject
• Number
• Person
• Tense

These are Finite Verbs.

Definition

A Finite Verb is a verb that changes its form according to the person, number, tense, or mood of the subject and can function as the main verb of a sentence.

Every complete sentence must have at least one finite verb.

Examples

Characteristics of Finite Verbs

A finite verb:

• Changes according to tense.
• Changes according to the subject.
• Expresses the main action or state.
• Can form a complete sentence.

Example:

What is a Non-finite Verb?

Read these sentences.

• He loves walking.
• They love walking.
• She loved walking.

The verb walking remains the same in every sentence.

It does not change according to:

• Subject
• Person
• Number
• Tense

Therefore, walking is a Non-finite Verb.

Definition

A Non-finite Verb is a verb that does not change its form according to the subject or tense and cannot function as the main verb of an independent sentence.

Non-finite verbs often work as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Examples

• Walking is good exercise.
• I like to read.
• The broken window was repaired.
• Having finished the work, he left.

The highlighted words are non-finite verbs.

Difference Between Finite and Non-finite Verbs

Examples

Example 1:

Rahul is reading a newspaper.

Finite Verb: is reading

There is no non-finite verb here because is reading together forms the finite verb phrase.

Example 2:

Rahul likes reading.

Finite Verb: likes

Non-finite Verb: reading (Gerund)

Example 3:

She wants to become a doctor.

Finite Verb: wants

Non-finite Verb: to become (Infinitive)

Example 4:

The broken chair was repaired.

Finite Verb: was repaired

Non-finite Verb: broken (Past Participle)

Types of Non-finite Verbs

There are three types of non-finite verbs.

1. Infinitive
2. Gerund
3. Participle

These are discussed briefly below and explained in detail in later lessons.

1. Infinitive

An Infinitive is usually formed by to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

• to read
• to write
• to play

Sentence:

• I want to study.

2. Gerund

A Gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun.

Examples:

• Reading
• Swimming
• Dancing

Sentence:

• Reading improves knowledge.

3. Participle

A Participle is a verb form that functions as an adjective or helps form verb tenses.

Examples:

• running water
• broken glass
• smiling child

How to Identify a Finite Verb

Ask these questions:

→ Does the verb change according to the subject?

• play
• plays

Yes; Finite Verb

→ Does it change according to tense?

• play
• played

Yes; Finite Verb

→ Can it make a complete sentence?

Example

Birds fly.

Yes; Finite Verb

How to Identify a Non-finite Verb

Ask these questions:

→ Does the verb remain unchanged?

Examples

• walking
• to read
• broken

Yes; Non-finite Verb

Common Mistakes

✘ Reading books.

✔ Reading books is enjoyable.

✘ To play football.

✔ I like to play football.

✘ Walking to school every day.

✔ Walking to school every day keeps us healthy.

Quick Revision Table

Summary

• Verbs are divided into Finite and Non-finite verbs.
• A finite verb changes according to the subject and tense and forms the main verb of a sentence.
• A non-finite verb does not change according to the subject or tense.
• There are three main types of non-finite verbs:
  • Infinitive
  • Gerund
  • Participle
• Understanding this distinction is essential for mastering English grammar.

Practice Exercise 1

Identify the Finite and Non-finite Verbs in the following sentences.

1. Reading books improves vocabulary.
2. She wants to become a doctor.
3. The crying baby needs attention.
4. Having completed the homework, he went outside.
5. They are playing football.
6. I enjoy swimming every morning.
7. The broken chair was repaired yesterday.
8. We hope to meet you soon.
9. Singing is my favourite hobby.
10. The children were laughing loudly.

Practice Exercise 2

Choose the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is a finite verb?
   • (a) to write
   • (b) writing
   • (c) writes
   • (d) written
2. Which is a non-finite verb?
   • (a) goes
   • (b) went
   • (c) going
   • (d) goes on
3. Which type of non-finite verb acts as a noun?
   • (a) Participle
   • (b) Gerund
   • (c) Auxiliary
   • (d) Finite Verb
4. Which type of non-finite verb usually begins with to?
   • (a) Gerund
   • (b) Participle
   • (c) Infinitive
   • (d) Auxiliary
5. Which statement is correct?
   • (a) A finite verb never changes its form.
   • (b) A non-finite verb changes according to the subject.
   • (c) A finite verb changes according to tense and subject.
   • (d) Every non-finite verb can form a complete sentence.

Answers Exercise 1

1. Reading → Non-finite (Gerund); improves → Finite
2. wants → Finite; to become → Non-finite (Infinitive)
3. crying → Non-finite (Present Participle); needs → Finite
4. Having completed → Non-finite (Perfect Participle); went → Finite
5. are playing → Finite
6. enjoy → Finite; swimming → Non-finite (Gerund)
7. broken → Non-finite (Past Participle); was repaired → Finite
8. hope → Finite; to meet → Non-finite (Infinitive)
9. Singing → Non-finite (Gerund); is → Finite
10. were laughing → Finite

Answer Exercise 2

1. (c) writes
2. (c) going
3. (b) Gerund
4. (c) Infinitive
5. (c) A finite verb changes according to tense and subject