Finite and Non-Finite Verbs | Definition, Useful Rules & Examples

Finite Verb and Non-Finite Verb! Learn definition, grammar rules & examples of finite and non-finite verbs in English with ESL printable infographic.

Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Finite Verb

Definition

• Verbs that have a definite relation with the subject or noun.
• These verbs are usually the main verb of a clause or sentence and can be changed according to the noun.
• They are used only in present and past tense.
• They can be indicative of passive or active voice and also of number (singular or plural).

She walks home. – Here we see that the finite verb is “walks” and the pronoun is ‘she’.

She walked home. – Here we can see how the verb changed/modified to change the tense of the sentence.

Examples

• You promised me the last ticket.
• I am excited about going to the amusement park.
• I went for a walk around the park.
• She was waiting in the room before he came in.
• Does your brother know my brother?
• We want John to act as club secretary.
• I like taking photographs of insects.
• Coming home last night, I saw a deer run across the road.

Non-Finite Verbs

Definition

• These verbs cannot be the main verb of a clause or sentence as they do not talk about the action that is being performed by the subject or noun.
• They do not indicate any tense, mood or gender.
• They are used as nouns, adverbs and adjectives.
• They are also used to form non-finite clauses which are simply dependent clauses that use non-finite verbs.

Rules & Examples

He loves camping in the woods. – Here the non-finite verb is camping and it is used as a noun. These kind of non-finite verbs are called Gerunds.

Examples:

• Do you fancy going out?
• Having read the book once before makes me more prepared.
• I like swimming.
• Being loved can make someone feel safe.
• We enjoyed their singing.
• We were delighted at Bianca being awarded the prize.

I need to go to sleep. – Here the non- finite verb phrase is to sleep, it is acting as a noun. Non-finite verbs that use ‘to’ before them are called Infinitives.

Examples:

• I decided not to go to New York.
• I’d rather not eat meat.
• I might not come.
• You need to paint the whole cupboard, starting from the bottom.
• He asked me not to be late.
• I’d like you not to sing so loudly.

The sleeping dog caused a delay. – The non-finite verbs that have ‘-ing’ or ‘-ed’ as suffixes and cause the verb to come an adjective are called Participles.

Examples:

• The man carrying the bricks is my father.
• She showed us a plate of scones crammed with cream.
• Whistling the same tune as always, Ted touched the front of his cap with his forefinger as she dismounted.
• Stunned by the blow, Tom quickly gathered his senses and searched frantically for the pepper spray.
• Arriving late, I saw the other kids and they seemed to be excited.

Finite and Non-Finite Verb | Infographic