Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

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

Contents

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.