A Complete Guide to Non-finite Verb

A non-finite verb is a form of verb that extends subject's actions by providing more information about its actions. Non-finite verbs are compared with the finite verbs in that finite verbs show tense, person and number, whereas non-finite verbs don't.

What is a non-finite verb?, how to identify non-finite verbs?, how many types do non-finite verbs have? are some of the frequently asked queries, and we've discussed them in this post.

This article covers:

• What is the definition of a non-finite verb?
• How to use nonfinite verb?
• How to identify non-finite verbs?
• Types of non-finite verbs
• Non-finite verb vs. finite verb

Non-finite Verb: Definition and Meaning

What is a nonfinite verb in English language? A nonfinite verb is a verb form that does not show grammatical tense, number and person. Nonfinite verbs are used with finite verbs to provide more information about subject's actions.

Examples of Nonfinite Verbs:

a. She made me cry.

b. Try not to laugh.

c. Try fixing my car.

d. Swimming is the best exercise.

e. My car was repaired yesterday.

Nonfinite Verbs. Finite Verbs

Here are the differences between non finite and finite verbs:

1. As mentioned earlier, a non finite verb is a type of verb that doesn't show grammatical tense, person and number, whereas a finite verb is a type of verb that shows grammatical tense, person and number.

Examples:

a. To err is human. (to err nonfinite verb)

b. I bought this bike last year. (bought finite verb)

2. A non finite verb does not act as the main verb of an independent clause, whereas a finite verb does. That is, a non finite verb does not become the main verb in a sentence, whereas a finite verb does.

Examples:

a. To laugh is prohibited. (to laugh not main verb)

b. I sold my phone yesterday. (sold main verb)

3. A non finite verb is used in the forms of infinitive, gerund and participles, whereas a finite verb is used in the first, second and third forms.

Examples:

a. Jogging is a good habit. (jogging participle)

b. I jogged in the morning. (jogged second)

How to Identify Nonfinite Verbs?

Identifying a non finite verb is super easy. All you need to do is to follow 3 steps. Here are the 3 steps to find out a non finite verb easily:

Step 1: No subject verb agreement: Find the verb form that does not agree with the subject. A non finite verb does not agree with the subject.

Step 2: Secondary level verb: A non finite verb does not act as the main verb in a sentence. 

Step 3: Not showing tense, person and number: A non finite verb does not show grammatical tense, person and number.

Types of Nonfinite Verbs

There are mainly 3 types of non finite verbs in English grammar. Here are the 3 types of non finite verbs with their uses and examples:

1. Infinitives

An infinitive is a form of verb that is used with the preposition to or without it. Infinitives are used for different purposes. We describe below the uses of infinitives in English.

Uses of Infinitives

a. Used as the base form:

Example: Get out of my sight. 

b. After auxiliary verbs:

Example: Do not move.

c. After causative verbs:

Example: John made me cry.

d. After finite verbs:

Example: I wanted to go to the market.

e. Used as the noun phrase:

Example: To laugh at others' bad situation is not good.

f. Used as adjectives:

Example: The effort to make her happy is useless.

2. Gerunds

Gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns. Gerunds are made up of the base verb plus 'ing'.

Uses of Gerunds

a. As subject

Example: Walking in the morning is good habit. 

b. As object

Example: I like eating pizza.

c. As object of preposition

Example: Think before speaking.

3. Participles

Participles are words that are formed from verbs and that act as nouns and adjectives.

Uses of Participles

a. As progressive active participle:

Examples:

• She is writing a letter.
• John is learning a new language.

b. As progressive passive participle:

• I saw him washing his car.
• They saw the mechanic fixing the bike.

c. As perfect participle in active voice:

• I have washed my car.
• The mechanic has fixed the bike.

d. As perfect participle in passive voice:

• My car was washed.
• The bike has been fixed.