Finite And Non-Finite Verbs
A finite verb changes its form where there is a change in the number or person of the subject.
Study the examples given below.
- Shyam works hard. (Here the verb work becomes works because the subject is the singular noun Shyam.)
- I work hard.
- They work hard. (The verb does not take -s when the subject is a plural noun or pronoun.)
- He works hard. (Here the subject is the singular pronoun he and hence the verb takes the marker -s)
- Doctors work hard.
- I worked hard last week. (In the past tense, the verb work becomes worked)
Such verbs which change their form when there is a change in the tense or in the number or person of the subject are called finite verbs.
Non-finites do not change their form.
- She wants to find work.
- I want to find work.
- The unemployed want to find work.
As you can see, in all of the sentences given above, the infinitive to find does not undergo any change. Hence, it is a non-finite verb.
There are four types of non-finite verbs: infinitives, gerunds, present participles and past participles.
Examples are given below.
- She wants to sing. (finite verb – wants; non-finite – to sing)
- She went to the store to buy some eggs. (finite verb – went; non-finite – to buy)
- Holding a paper in her hand, she ran out of the room. (finite verb – ran; non-finite – holding)
- Playing computer games for long hours is not good for you. (finite verb – is; non-finite: playing)
- Driven by rain, we took shelter under a tree. (finite verb – took; non-finite – driven)
- I enjoy playing with my cats. (finite verb – enjoy; non-finite – playing)
