Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Introduction

A verb is considered one of the main linguistic elements in a sentence. It shows an action, a feeling, a condition , or a state of being of someone or something.

Example

1. I wrote a paragraph.

In this example, the verb 'wrote', conjugated in the past tense form, is the verb of the sentence, which indicates the action of writing.

Finite and Non- Finite Verbs

While we discuss the linguistic elements forming sentences, we perceive that they always include  finite verbs, unlike non-finite verbs. That may push many of us to look for the difference between them. In fact, first, a finite verb introduces a grammatical tense (e.g. present, past, or future) , and is always linked to a subject with which it stands along to make a sentence looks grammatically correct.

Example

1. I went to visit my friend in Tokyo.
2. Anna likes watching movies on her phone.
3. She will travel to Australia the next summer.

These examples introduce three verbs showing successively different tenses ( past, present, and future). Also, they work together with their subjects to make the sentences in which they  are, being grammatically correct, and then carrying on complete thoughts.

Second, a non-finite verb, by contrary, does not have a subject and doesn't introduce a tense. It takes different forms in a sentence in which it can be either infinitive, gerund, or participle.

Example

1. He likes playing football.

In this example, 'playing' is non-finite verb. It doesn't show a tense, and doesn't have a subject, however, it is used as the noun in the sentence to describe the subject pronoun 'he'.

The usage of non-finite verbs as infinitives

A non-finite verb works as infinitive when it takes the following forms:

• To + the stem of a verb 
• Modal auxiliary verbs + the base form of a verb

The first is called 'the infinitive' while the second is named 'the bare infinitive' for the absence of the particle or proposition 'to'.

Note:

The infinitive can function either as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.

Example

1. To satisfy her mother was her particular objective.
2. It is a good method to teach philosophy.
3. He studies language to know more about the culture of others.
4. I can play in this tournament.

In the examples (1, 2, and 3), the infinitives respectively function as noun( the subject of the sentence), adjective( modifying the noun method) , and adverb( modifying the verb study).

In the example (4), the bare infinitive 'play' becomes the main verb, in this case, as it is relied with the finite modal auxiliary verb 'can' .

The usage of non-finite verb as gerunds

A non-finite verb can function as a gerund when it takes the following form:

• A base form of a verb + ing

Note: 

The gerund functions as a noun

Example

1. I start learning English.
2. Playing guitar is very enjoyable.

In these examples the non-finite verbs 'learning' and 'playing' are the gerunds functioning as nouns ( direct object and subject) in the sentences above.

The usage of non-finite verbs as participles

A non-finite verb can function either as present or past participle taking successively the following forms:

• The stem of a verb + ing
• The stem of a verb + ed for regular verbs
• Vary from one to another for irregular verbs

Note :

The participles function as an adjective in which the present participle modifies a noun that affect someone or something. Whereas a past participle modifies a noun which is affected by someone or something.

Example

1. Sophia is working to help her family.
2. The girl sat waiting her role to consult the doctor.
3. The frightened man is standing terrified.

In the examples (1 and 2), the non-finite verbs 'working' and 'waiting' are the present participles. The first is a predicative adjective modifying the noun 'Sophia' while the second is an adjunct to the finite verb 'sat' , describing the noun 'girl'. 

In the example (3), the non-finite verb 'frightened' is the past participle that works as adjective describing the word 'man' who someone or something frightened him.

Exercises

Exercise (1)

Which verbs introducing tenses 

1. Finite Verbs
2. Non-finite verbs

Which verbs are not linked to subjects

1. Non-finite verbs
2. Finite Verbs

Identify the form that a non-finite verbs take when they function as participles

1. To + the base form of a verb
2. The stem of a verb + ed
3. Modal auxiliary verbs + the base from of a verb
4. None of the above

Gerunds can function as

1. Nouns
2. Verbs
3. Adverbs
4. Adjectives

Exercise (2)

Underline the finite verbs and circle the non-finite verbs in the following sentences

1. She is happy to receive a gift from her husband.
2. I like managing my job by myself.
3. I have learnt English form the internet.
4. You should avoid discussing trivial subjects.
5. The technique used in our factory helps us to produce an important number of medicaments.
6. The girl standing alone there is the new student. She came from a village to study mathematics. She is living with her father in a small apartment in a poor neighborhood.

Answer key

Exercise (1)

1

1

2

1

Exercise (2)

Finite Verbs: is, like, have, should, helps, is, came, is

None-finite Verbs: to receive, managing, learnt, avoid, discussing, used, to produce, standing, to study, living