We use verbs all the time. Did you know that there are two types of verbs? Finite and non-finite verbs are two different forms of verbs that are very different from each other. As English learners, you must learn that a subject and a verb together make a sentence complete. This blog will help you learn about the usage of two types of verbs - finite and non-finite verbs. At the end, there is an easy exercise on verbs with answers to test your knowledge.
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Finite and non-finite verbs are used differently with subjects in a sentence. Finite verbs are those that express the mood, tense, person, or a number in a sentence. Whereas, non-finite verbs are different as they don’t show a number, person, or the mood in a sentence. The sections below will tell you the difference between these two verb forms in English in detail:
Finite verbs have a subject and they show tense, person, and number when used in a sentence. They can form the root of an independent clause. Here is an finite verb example to help you understand:
The finite verb in the above sentence is ‘books’ and the subject is ‘David’. This sentence is in present tense and the finite verbs are always in one word.
The above sentence has the finite verb as ‘was’ and it also expresses the tense of the phrase - past tense.
In both the sentences, the verb is finite as it is conjugated with the subject of the sentence (David). Moreover, ‘was’ also indicates that the subject is singular and the sentence is in third person.
Therefore, finite verbs express person, number, and the tense in a sentence.
Non-finite verbs do not indicate the person, tenses, or number in a sentence. Moreover, there are three types of non-finite verbs:
1. Gerunds: Verbs that end with an ‘ing’ are called Gerunds. Examples: eating, running, sleeping, etc.
2. Infinitives: Verbs that have ‘to’ before them in a sentence are called infinitives. Example: to play, to say, to do.
3. Participles: The verbs in past and present participles can work as non-finite verbs. They can serve as adjectives in a sentence. For example: playing, played; carrying, carried; broke, broken; etc.
If you are still confused between finite and non-finite verbs, look at the example below:
In the sentence above, ‘fixed’ is a finite verb. Moreover, ‘broken’ is a past participle and is also working as an adjective. It is the non-finite verb in the sentence.
This was all about finite and non-finite verbs definition. Now, let us look at how they are used in different sentences.
To use these two forms of verbs correctly in the sentence, you must take note of the following:
The finite verbs in a sentence have work with the subject. This means that it agrees with the subject of the sentence and goes by it. Additionally, a finite verb can be used independently as it is the main verb of the sentence and expresses the actions of the subject in a sentence. Here are some finite verb examples:
Also Read: Pronouns
The non-finite verbs are used in a sentence to determine the time or manner and can also be used as nouns. These can be used in sentences in which there is no need to express the tense. Unlike the finite verbs, non-finite verbs can be used to convey what is on your mind simply and clearly. These are in 3 forms: Gerunds, past participle, present participle, or the base form of the world. Here are some non-finite verb examples:
This was the usage of finite and non-finite verbs. Now, let us talk about the rules that these follow.
Also Read: Letter Writing
To use the finite and non-finite verbs correctly in English sentences, you must follow the rules below:
These are the rules you must follow while using finite and non-finite verbs. The difference between the two is explained in the section below.
Also Read: Formal Letter Writing
As noted before, non-finite verbs are very different from the finite verbs. A sentence is complete with a finite verb alone. However, a non-finite verb is not sufficient to complete the sentence alone. Here is the difference between finite and non-finite verbs in detail:
| Finite Verbs | Non-finite Verbs |
|---|---|
| Finite verbs are used to determine tense, person or number. | Non-finite verbs express no tense. |
| Finite verbs are in the simple present and simple past tense. | Non-finite verbs are in either infinitive, present participle or past participle form. |
| Finite verbs always conjugate with the subject, that performs the action in the sentence. | Non-finite verbs do not agree with the subject in a sentence. |
| The finite verb is, mostly, next to the subject in a sentence. | Non-finite verbs can be found in the beginning of a sentence. In some cases, the non-finite verb is found right after the finite verb in the sentence. |
| A finite verb happens to be a part of an independent clause or phrase. It can help the clause stand alone by making complete sense of the sentence. | A non-finite verb cannot stand alone in a sentence. If it does, it usually makes no sense. |
These were the differences between the finite and non-finite verbs. Now, let us test what you learnt in this blog. Solve the exercise below.
Also Read: Informal Letter Writing
English learners, here is an exercise to analyze your progress:
Q. Identify the verbs used in the sentences below as finite or non-finite:
Answer Key:
This was a small exercise to help you understand how much you know about these two types of verbs.
To sum up, finite and non-finite verbs are two types of verbs. You must know how to use them correctly and must adhere to the English grammar rules. Moreover, as English learners, you can also learn different aspects of English to become a fluent English language user.
Q1. How Are Finite Verbs Used?
Finite verbs always work with a subject and agree with it. To use a finite verb in a sentence, ensure that this verb can allow the clause to stand as an independent clause.
Q2. What Is the Definition of a Non-finite Verb?
A non-finite form of verb does not indicate a person, a number, or a tense. This verb cannot stand alone as the main verb in a sentence. Moreover, it appears as an infinitive (to speak), a gerund (speaking), or a participle(talking).
Q3. How to Identify Finite and Non-finite Verbs?
Finite verbs go with the subject of a sentence. They show a tense, a person, or a number. However, the non-finite verbs do not agree with the subject and don’t show any person, number, or tense.
Q4. What are Gerund and Examples?
A gerund is a verb with an “ing” in the ending. It also functions as a noun in a sentence. Here are some examples:
Q5. What is the Difference between Finite and Non-finite Verbs?
A finite verb is a type of verb that agrees with the subject of a sentence. It also indicates a tense, person, and a number. A non-finite verb does not show agreement with the subject and does not indicate a clear tense.
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