Introduction
Non-finite verbs in English are verbs that do not show tense, person, or number. In this article, we will explore these verbs, explaining their nature and providing practical insights for English language learners.
What are non-finite verbs?
Non-finite verbs, unlike their finite counterparts, do not have tense and do not function as the main verb in a sentence. Instead, they operate as modifiers or complements. Participles and infinitives are the two primary types of non-finite verbs.
Examples:
- Past Participles: Exhausted by a long day of work, he lay down on his back with his eyes closed.
- Present Participles: Looking into his eyes, she saw that he was truthful.
- Infinitives: She likes to dance.
Finite Vs Non-Finite Verbs
Finite verbs express tense and person, serving as the main verb in a sentence. In contrast, non-finite verbs lack these properties and play supporting roles.
Examples of finite verbs:
- He ran.
- They appreciated his help
- He likes the team spirit they exhibit in the company.
- The cat is sleeping.
Examples of non-finite verbs;
- The cat curled up on the sofa, looked content.
- Failing his duties, he resigned.
- Working day and night to succeed, he didn’t have time to spend wining and complaining.
- To become a member, you will have to send an email.
Aspect | Finite Verbs | Non-Finite Verbs |
---|---|---|
Tense | Indicated (past, present, future) | Not indicated |
Person | Indicated (I, you, he/she/it, we, they) | Not indicated |
Role in Sentence | Main verb of the sentence | Modifiers, complements, or adjuncts |
How To Identify A Non-finite Verb
Identifying non-finite verbs involves recognizing their distinct characteristics. As a rule of thumb, look for verbs that lack a specific tense and do not serve as the primary action in a sentence.
For example, in the sentence “The traveler, eager to explore new horizons, packed a sturdy backpack,” The main verb (the finite verb) is “packed“. The infinitive “to explore” is, however, a non-finite verb functioning in an adjective phrase.
Here are some rules to identify finite verbs:
A Verb is non-finite if:
- The verb does not have a tense:
- To apply, complete this form.
- Tired of his son’s addiction, he forced him to go to a rehab center.
- Looking back, she remembers the days when he was so kind to her.
- There is no agreement between the subject and the verb.
- The cat curling up on the sofa, looked content
- The verb is used with an auxiliary:
- I may go on a trip to Egypt.
- She was working on a new project.
Example Sentences With Non-finite verbs
Here are example sentences with non-finite verbs, including infinitive, present participle, and past participles, highlighted in bold:
- She likes to swim in the ocean.
- It is essential for every student to study diligently before exams.
- Having finished his work, John decided to take a break.
- The students were excited to participate in the science fair.
- The chef, known for his culinary skills, decided to create a new recipe.
- The team worked together to complete the project on time.
- The concert, featuring renowned musicians, promises to be spectacular.
- He tends to forget his keys in the car.
- We were surprised to see the city covered in snow.
- The scientist is conducting experiments to discover new solutions.
- Running late, Sarah hurried to catch the bus.
- The child sat on the swing, happily swinging back and forth.
- The artist, deeply immersed in his work, was painting a breathtaking mural.
- The library is filled with students, studying for upcoming exams.
- The weather, changing rapidly, prompted everyone to seek shelter.
- The old building, surrounded by tall trees, had a mysterious charm.
- She noticed a stray kitten, meowing for attention.
- The hikers, exhausted from the long trek, set up camp near the river.
- The abandoned house, left untouched for years, intrigued urban explorers.
- The old building, surrounded by tall trees, had a mysterious charm.
More about this type of verb here.
Conclusion
Non-finite verbs do not show tense, person, or number. By distinguishing them from finite verbs and recognizing their roles, learners can enhance their understanding of grammar.