Non-finite verbs do not change their form according to the number and person of the subject. Examples are gerunds, participles and infinitives.

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1 Finite and non-finite verbs There are mainly two types of verbs in English finite and non-finite. Finite verbs change their forms when there is a change in the number or person of the subject. Finite verbs also have different forms in different tenses. A finite verb is a word like break, work, broke, sing, write etc. Finite verbs change their form according to the number and person of the subject. For instance, when the subject is a singular noun, the finite verb break changes its form into breaks. Finite verbs are also governed by the tenses. For instance, when the sentence is in the simple past tense, the finite verb break changes its form into broke. Similarly, work changes into worked and sing changes into sang in the past tense. Non-finite verbs do not change their form according to the number and person of the subject. Examples are gerunds, participles and infinitives. I like reading. He likes reading. Here the verb like is finite because it changes its form according to the number and person of the subject. The gerund reading is non-finite because it does not change its form according to the number and person of the subject. Reading books is my hobby. (Reading non-finite; is finite) Having read the book I returned it to the library. (Having read non-finite; returned finite) Non-finite verbs are of three types: 1. Infinitives: It can be regarded as the most basic or rudimentary form of the given verb. It may be a noun, an adverb or an adjective. There are two kinds of infinitives-the bare infinitive and the full infinitive, The bare infinitive does not use the word to but uses the base form of the verb. 1. Help me catch this fish. 2. You had better finish your work by then. 1

2 The way to identify the full infinitive is that the base form of the verb is preceded by the word to. 1. I am determined to lose weight before Sheila s wedding. 2. One must take examinations seriously to excel in the academic field. 2. Gerunds: Gerunds are those non-finite verbs which are actually modifications of the verb as a noun. The trick to identifying a gerund is that the verb form generally ends with an ing. 1. Smoking is injurious to health and causes cancer. 2. Playing a sport is essential for all-round development. 3. Participles: Participles are those non-finite verbs which are modifications of the verb in such a way that they become adjectives, that is, they describe another word in the given sentence. The tip to identify a participle is that the verb usually ends in ing or ed. The ing form is usually the present participle form (e.g. blowing, singing, weaving etc.). The ed form is usually the past participle form (e.g. written, disbanded, coded etc.). The first is used when the describing word is an action that is still taking place whereas the latter is used when the describing word is an action that took place in the past but its effects are still present. 1. The mangled pair of sunglasses were kept on the table. (past participle used as an adjective to describe a pair of sunglasses) 2. The galloping ponies came to a halt in front of the stables. (present participle used as an adjective to describe the ponies) 2

3 Difference between the use of an infinitive and gerund: There is often some confusion between the usage of an infinitive and a gerund. It is very difficult to determine when to use which type of verb and to indicate what. The following pointers reveal the difference between the respective usage of both: A gerund is used to indicate an action that has happened in the past or one that is happening at the present. I like riding the bicycle. I denied accepting the proposal. A gerund is also used after prepositions. I aim at becoming the Prime Minister of the country. I always go for a walk after eating dinner. Certain expressions too are mostly followed by a gerund. There is no point in complaining about the state of affairs. I can t help expressing my sorrow and remorse. 3

4 Exercise -- 1 Find out the finite and non-finite verbs in the sentences given below: 1. He gave me a chair to sit It was a sight to see I want to buy some clothes Barking dogs seldom bite He is about to leave It is time to start He was wearing a torn shirt He had his shoes polished They got the roof repaired Finding the door open I went inside EXERCISE -- 2 Identify the non-finite verbs in the following sentences and state their kind (infinitive, present participle, gerund). 1. I want water to drink Singing is his favorite pastime I am sorry to hear this We drank the sparkling water She was depressed to hear the news Trespassing is prohibited Following his father s footsteps, he became an advocate A rolling stone gathers no mosses Would it be easy for you to phone me tomorrow?

5 10. I will be happy to help you I dislike people telling me what to think EXERCISE --3 Identify the finite and non-finite verbs in the following sentences and state whether they are infinitives, participles or gerunds. 1. Singing is his pastime I like to read It is easy to find faults with others He went to work in London She doesn t like to do anything I enjoy reading The boys are decorating the room I am doing my homework We all enjoy eating ice-cream in the summer Smita has done her homework The little girl tried to imitate the steps of the famous singer Mother took out a crumpled letter from the drawer