Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Finite Verbs
• A finite verb is a form of a verb that has a
subject (expressed or implied) and can
function as the root of an independent clause;
an independent clause can, in turn, stand
alone as a complete sentence.
• A sentence does not make sense without a
finite verb.
• A finite verb gives meaning to a sentence.
 Finite verbs must agree with the
number and person of its subject.
• Example:
I love food.
The “I” agrees with the word “love.”

Kevin loves food.

The word “Kevin” agrees with the word
“loves.”
• If the tense of the sentence changes, then the
form of the verb also changes. Such a verb is a
finite verb.

Example:
• He works at the photo shop. (Simple present
tense)
• He worked at the photo shop. (Simple past
tense)
 Non Finite Verbs

• A non-finite verb (sometimes called a verbal)

is any of several verb forms that are not finite
verbs; that is, they cannot serve as the root of
an independent clause.
 Non-finite verbs are not bound by
tense, person or number of the
Finite subject.
Non-finite
• Richie hates working.

• My Friends hated working.

Finite Non-finite
 A sentence will make sense without
the non-finite verb.
• Example:

We must go shopping now.

We must go now.
 Three types of non-finite
1. Infinitive: to + verb
• E.g. John is going to wait outside.

2. Participle verb: does the work of both verb

and adjective- verbal adjective.
• E.g.. Look at the burning candles.

3. Gerund: acts as a verb and noun- verbal noun.

E.g. Painting is my hobby.
 The finite verbs are in bold in the
following sentences, and the non-finite
verbs are underlined:
• Verbs appear in almost all sentences.
• This sentence is illustrating finite and non-
finite verbs.
• The dog will have to be trained well.
• Tom promises to try to do the work.
 Tense Finite or Non-finite?

David plays the piano Present Finite

My sister spoke French on

Past Finite
holiday

It took courage to continue NONE -- the verb has the

Non-finite
after the accident infinitive form

Leaving home can be very NONE -- the verb has the -

Non-finite
traumatic ing form

Leave immediately when NONE -- the verb has the -

Non-finite
you are asked to do so ed form