Non-finite Verbs - Definition, Uses And Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Non-finite Verb?
• What Are the Non-finite Forms of the Verb?
• Difference Between Finite Verbs and Non-finite Verbs
• How to Use Non-finite Verbs in Sentences
• Assessment on Non-finite Verbs

Verbs are the driving action of sentences and they express states of being. But not all verbs are bound by the constraints of time and tense. Non-finite verbs are a unique category of verbs that operate outside the typical rules of conjugation. 

Unlike their finite counterparts, non-finite verbs remain unchanged regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence. They exist in forms like infinitives, gerunds, and participles, taking on diverse roles beyond simply conveying action. Non-finite verbs add flexibility and complexity to our language, allowing us to express ideas in a better way.

What Is a Non-finite Verb?

A non-finite verb is a verb that does not show tense. It does not change its form to agree with the subject or to indicate the time of the action. Non-finite verbs cannot stand alone and form an independent clause.  It acts like a noun, adjective, or adverb, adding extra layers of meaning to the main action or state of being expressed by a finite verb.

Key Characteristics:

• Non-finite verbs do not have tense (present, past, future).  
• They do not change form based on the subject.  
• They need a finite verb to make a complete sentence.
  

Example:

"She enjoys reading books."

In this sentence, "enjoys" is the finite verb (present tense, agrees with "she"). "Reading" is the non-finite verb; it's not showing a specific time or changing form.

What Are the Non-finite Forms of the Verb?

Non-finite verbs have three main forms of verbs. Here's a closer look at their forms:

1. Infinitives

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to run, to eat, to sleep). It's the most basic form of the verb and doesn't convey any specific tense or subject.

Functions of infinitives

• Noun:
  • "To travel is to live." (The infinitive phrase "to travel" acts as the subject of the sentence.)
  • She loves to sing. (Infinitive acts as the object of the verb "loves.")
• Adjective:
  • I have a lot of homework to do. (Infinitive modifies the noun "homework.")
  • Give me a book to read. (Infinitive modifies the noun "book.")
    
• Adverb:
  • They went to the park to play. (Infinitive modifies the verb "went," explaining the purpose.)
  • He was eager to learn more. (Infinitive modifies the adjective "eager.")
    

2. Participles

Participles are verb forms that can function as adjectives. There are two main types

• Present Participle: Ends in "-ing" (e.g., running, eating, sleeping).
• Past Participle: Usually ends in "-ed," "-d," "-t," "-en," or "-n" (e.g., walked, played, slept, eaten, written).
  

Functions of participles:

• Adjective:
  • The shining stars lit up the night sky. (Present participle modifies "stars.")
  • The tired traveler sought rest at an inn. (Past participle modifies "traveler.")
    
• Part of a Verb Tense:
  • She is running a marathon. (Present participle used in the present continuous tense.)
  • They have finished their work. (Past participle used in the present perfect tense.)
    
• Creating Phrases:
  • Walking down the street, I saw a familiar face. (Participial phrase modifies "I.")
  • Discouraged by the setback, she almost gave up. (Participial phrase modifies "she.")
    

3. Gerunds

A gerund is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun. It looks identical to a present participle, but its role in the sentence is different.

Functions of Gerunds:

• Subject: Swimming is her favorite sport.
• Object of a Verb: He enjoys reading mystery novels.
• Object of a Preposition: She is good at solving puzzles.
• Complement: Her passion is dancing.

Take this Quiz :

Verbs Unveiled: Grammar Quiz - Participle, Gerund, or Verb

Difference Between Finite Verbs and Non-finite Verbs

Finite verbs are the main action words, changing with tense and subject. Non-finite verbs act more like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and don't change. Here's how they differ  - 

How to Use Non-finite Verbs in Sentences

Non-finite verbs have diverse uses that can help craft sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also structurally sound. Here's how to use them -

1. Creating Concise and Varied Sentence Structures

• Non-finite verbs can often replace entire clauses, making sentences more concise and impactful.

Example: Instead of "Because she was tired, she went to bed early," use "Tired, she went to bed early." (past participle)

• Using a mix of finite and non-finite verbs creates a more dynamic and engaging writing style.

Example: "He enjoys reading books, writing poems, and discussing philosophy." (gerund, gerund, infinitive)

2. Adding Depth and Nuance to Actions

• Non-finite verbs can clarify the relationship between different actions in a sentence.

Example: "To succeed, one must be willing to fail." (infinitives showing purpose and condition) 

• Participles can describe actions happening at the same time as the main verb.

Example: "Smiling broadly, she accepted the award." (present participle)

3. Highlighting Key Information

• Placing a non-finite verb at the beginning or end of a sentence can give it greater emphasis.

Example: "Determined to win, the athlete trained tirelessly." (past participle)

• Using a gerund as the subject of a sentence highlights the action itself.

Example: "Learning a new language opens up a world of possibilities."

4. Improving Flow and Rhythm

• Non-finite verbs can create smoother transitions between ideas, improving the flow of your writing.

Example: "Having finished his work, he went for a walk." (perfect participle)

• The different structures of non-finite verbs can contribute to the rhythm and cadence of your sentences.
  

5. Achieving Specific Rhetorical Effects

• Participles can create a sense of immediacy or action unfolding.

Example: "The leaves, falling gently to the ground, created a carpet of color."

• Adding a Formal Tone: Infinitives can sometimes lend a more formal tone to writing.

Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question."

Take this Quiz :

Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives Grammar Quiz

Assessment on Non-finite Verbs

Exercise 1: Underline the non-finite verb in each sentence.

1. She enjoys swimming in the ocean.
2. To travel the world is his dream.
3. The exhausted hiker sat down to rest.
4. The broken vase lay on the floor.
5. He loves to read books before sleeping.
6. The singing birds filled the air with music.
7. Having finished her work, she went for a walk.

Answers:

1. swimming
2. to travel
3. to rest
4. broken
5. to read
6. singing
7. Having finished
   

Exercise 2: Identify the type of non-finite verb in each sentence: infinitive (INF), present participle (PRES PART), or gerund (GER).

1. She wants to learn how to play the guitar.
2. Walking in the park is a relaxing activity.
3. The crying baby needed to be comforted.
4. To err is human.
5. He enjoys playing video games.
6. The fallen leaves covered the ground.
7. They decided to postpone the meeting.

Answers:

1. INF
2. GER
3. PRES PART
4. INF
5. GER
6. PAST PART
7. INF
   

Exercise 3: Complete each sentence with the correct non-finite form of the verb in parentheses.

1. _______ (read) is a great way to learn new things.
2. She is afraid of _______ (fly).
3. The teacher encouraged the students _______ (study) hard.
4. _______ (walk) in the rain can be refreshing.
5. He is excited about _______ (travel) to Europe.
6. _______ (eat) a balanced diet is important for good health.
7. The dog, _______ (chase) its tail, looked very silly.

Answers:

1. Reading (gerund)
2. flying (gerund)
3. to study (infinitive)
4. Walking (gerund)
5. traveling (gerund)
6. Eating (gerund)
7. chasing (present participle)