Finite and Non Finite Verbs Examples with Answers
Finite verbs change according to the subject and tense. Non-finite verbs do not change according to the subject and tense.
Understanding finite and non-finite verbs is crucial for mastering English grammar. Finite verbs are essential components of complete sentences, providing information about the subject and the time of action. They change form based on the tense and subject. For example, “She runs every day” uses the finite verb “runs.
” Non-finite verbs, on the other hand, do not change form based on the subject or tense. They often function as infinitives, gerunds, or participles. For instance, in the sentence “She likes to run,” “to run” is a non-finite verb. Recognizing these differences helps in constructing grammatically accurate sentences.
Finite Verbs
Finite and non-finite verbs are important in English grammar. Understanding these verbs helps you write better sentences. Finite verbs change form based on the subject and tense. Non-finite verbs do not change form. This blog will focus on finite verbs. We will define them and give examples.
Definition
Finite verbs are verbs that show tense. They change form to match the subject. They also tell us when an action happens. Here are some key points about finite verbs:
- Finite verbs change with different subjects.
- They show past, present, or future tense.
- They are the main verbs in a sentence.
Finite verbs help us understand the time of an action. For example, in the sentence “She runs fast,” the verb “runs” is finite. It shows present tense and matches the subject “she.” In the sentence “He walked to school,” the verb “walked” is finite. It shows past tense and matches the subject “he.”
Finite verbs are essential in making sentences clear. They tell us who is doing the action and when. Without finite verbs, sentences would be confusing. They play a big role in grammar and communication.
Examples
Here are some examples of finite verbs in sentences:
- She eats an apple.
- They played soccer yesterday.
- We will visit the museum tomorrow.
In each example, the finite verb changes form. It matches the subject and shows the time of action. Let’s look at more examples:
| Subject | Finite Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| He | is | He is happy. |
| I | am | I am learning. |
| They | were | They were dancing. |
Notice how the finite verbs in the table change to match the subject. They also show the tense of the sentence. Finite verbs are easy to spot once you know what to look for. They are a key part of making sentences work.
Non-finite Verbs
Finite and non-finite verbs are essential parts of English grammar. Finite verbs show tense and subject agreement. Non-finite verbs do not change form based on the subject. Understanding these verbs helps in writing and speaking correctly. Let’s explore non-finite verbs in detail.
Definition
Non-finite verbs do not change their form. They do not show tense or subject agreement. These verbs include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
An infinitive is the base form of a verb. It often starts with “to.” For example, “to run” or “to eat.”
A gerund is a verb ending in “-ing.” It functions as a noun. For instance, “running” or “eating.”
A participle can be present or past. Present participles end in “-ing,” like “running.” Past participles usually end in “-ed” or “-en,” such as “eaten” or “walked.”
Non-finite verbs are crucial in forming complex sentences. They help add more detail and information. These verbs make sentences richer and more interesting. Understanding them makes grammar easier and more enjoyable.
Examples
Here are some examples of non-finite verbs:
- Infinitive: She likes to swim.
- Gerund: Swimming is fun.
- Present Participle: They are running fast.
- Past Participle: The cake was eaten.
Let’s look at a table with more examples:
| Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Infinitive | He wants to learn Spanish. |
| Gerund | Reading books is enjoyable. |
| Present Participle | The dog is barking loudly. |
| Past Participle | The letter was written by her. |
Notice how the form of the verb does not change. This is the key feature of non-finite verbs. They stay the same, no matter the subject or tense.
Finite Vs. Non-finite Verbs
Understanding verbs is key to mastering grammar. Finite verbs and non-finite verbs are two types of verbs. Finite verbs change with the subject and tense. Non-finite verbs do not. They stay the same no matter what. This blog will explain the differences and show examples.
Key Differences
Finite verbs are the main verbs in sentences. They show tense, number, and person. Finite verbs tell us when an action happens. For example, “She runs every day” or “They played soccer yesterday.”
Non-finite verbs do not show tense. They do not change based on the subject. Common types of non-finite verbs are infinitives, gerunds, and participles. Examples include “to run”, “running”, and “run”. They often act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Here is a table to make it clearer:
| Type | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Finite Verb | She runs | Main verb, shows tense |
| Infinitive | to run | Acts like a noun |
| Gerund | Running is fun | Acts like a noun |
| Participle | The running water | Acts like an adjective |
Importance In Sentences
Finite verbs are crucial in sentences. They tell us who is doing the action and when. Without finite verbs, sentences would not make sense. For example, “She jumps high” makes sense. But “She jumping high” does not.
Non-finite verbs add detail to sentences. They help to expand ideas and actions. For example, in “She likes to run,” “to run” adds more information. In “He enjoys running,” “running” tells us what he enjoys.
Both types of verbs work together. They make sentences clear and complete. Here are some points to remember:
- Finite verbs show tense and subject.
- Non-finite verbs do not change with the subject.
- Infinitives, gerunds, and participles are non-finite verbs.
- Both types make sentences more interesting and clear.
Practice Exercises
Learning about finite and non-finite verbs is crucial for mastering English grammar. These verbs help us understand how to form correct sentences. Finite verbs show tense and agree with the subject. Non-finite verbs do not show tense and do not change according to the subject. This blog post provides examples and practice exercises to help you identify both types of verbs.
Identifying Finite Verbs
Finite verbs are the main verbs in a sentence. They change form based on the subject and tense. Here are some examples:
- She runs every day. – “Runs” is finite because it changes to “ran” in past tense.
- They were playing soccer. – “Were playing” is finite because it changes to “are playing” in present tense.
To identify finite verbs, look for verbs that can change based on the subject or tense. Here are some practice exercises:
| Sentence | Finite Verb |
|---|---|
| He eats breakfast at 8 AM. | eats |
| We traveled to Spain last summer. | traveled |
| They are singing loudly. | are singing |
Identifying Non-finite Verbs
Non-finite verbs do not change form based on the subject or tense. They include infinitives, gerunds, and participles. Here are some examples:
- To swim is fun. – “To swim” is an infinitive and does not change form.
- Swimming is a good exercise. – “Swimming” is a gerund and remains the same.
- The broken vase was expensive. – “Broken” is a past participle and stays the same.
To identify non-finite verbs, look for verbs that do not change based on the subject or tense. Here are some practice exercises:
| Sentence | Non-finite Verb |
|---|---|
| She loves to dance. | to dance |
| Running is her favorite hobby. | Running |
| The cooked meal was delicious. | cooked |
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Learning about finite and non-finite verbs can be tricky. Many students often confuse the two. Finite verbs change according to the subject and tense. Non-finite verbs do not change. Understanding the differences helps in using them correctly. Let’s explore some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Misconceptions About Finite Verbs
Many people think finite verbs are hard to understand. But they are not. Finite verbs are verbs that change with the subject. Here are some examples:
- He runs every day.
- They run every day.
Common misconceptions include:
- Thinking finite verbs do not change with tense.
- Believing finite verbs are always action verbs.
Finite verbs can be action or linking verbs. For example:
- She is happy. (“is” is a linking verb)
- They were sad. (“were” is a linking verb)
Understanding these points helps avoid confusion. Students often mix finite and non-finite verbs. Knowing the differences is key.
Misuse Of Non-finite Verbs
Non-finite verbs do not change with the subject or tense. Common non-finite verbs include infinitives, gerunds, and participles. Examples are:
- To run is fun. (infinitive)
- Running is fun. (gerund)
- Ran quickly. (participle)
Common mistakes include:
- Using non-finite verbs as finite verbs.
- Not recognizing non-finite verbs in sentences.
Examples of misuse:
- Incorrect: She to run fast.
- Correct: She runs fast.
- Incorrect: Him running fast is fun.
- Correct: His running fast is fun.
Recognizing non-finite verbs is important. It helps in constructing correct sentences. Practice identifying them in sentences. This improves grammar skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Finite And Non-finite Verb With Examples?
Finite verbs show tense and agree with the subject. Example: “She runs daily. ” Non-finite verbs don’t show tense. Example: “She likes to run. “
What Are 10 Examples Of Finite Verbs?
1. She runs every morning. 2. They played soccer yesterday. 3. He sings beautifully. 4. Maria writes daily. 5. We traveled last summer. 6. The dog barks loudly. 7. She cooked dinner. 8. He swims well. 9. They enjoyed the movie.
10. I read books often.
How Do You Identify A Finite Verb?
A finite verb agrees with the subject and shows tense. It changes form with different subjects or tenses. For example, “runs” in “She runs. “
How To Find A Non-finite Verb In A Sentence?
Identify non-finite verbs by looking for verbs that do not change with the subject or tense. These include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
Conclusion
Mastering finite and non-finite verbs enhances your writing clarity. Practice regularly to improve your grammar skills. Use these examples as a guide for better understanding. Remember, strong grammar elevates your communication. Keep learning and refining your language abilities. Your writing will benefit greatly from this knowledge.
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