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.
Non-finite verbs do not change their form when the number or person of the subject changes. There are mainly three types of non-finite verbs: infinitives, gerunds and participles.
Can you identify finite and non-finite verbs? Test your understanding with this grammar exercise.
In the following sentences, state whether the verb given in the inverted commas is finite or non-finite.
1. My little brother 'wants' to be an actor.
2. She worked hard 'to pass' the test.
3. I 'couldn’t solve' the problem.
4. 'To err' is human.
5. Your duty is 'to cross' the river without getting noticed.
6. The doctor 'is attending' to the injured people.
7. She 'opened' the door.
8. The students were asked 'to submit' their assignments by Friday.
9. The teacher 'encouraged' the students to work hard.
10. The dog 'wagged' its tail to show its happiness.
Answers
1. My little brother wants to be an actor. (wants – finite; to be – non-finite)
2. She worked hard to pass the test. (worked – finite; to pass – non-finite)
3. I couldn’t solve the problem. (couldn’t solve – finite)
4. To err is human. (to err – non-finite; is – finite)
5. Your duty is to cross the river without getting noticed. (is – finite; to cross – non-finite; getting – non-finite)
6. The doctor is attending to the injured people. (is attending – finite)
7. She opened the door. (opened – finite)
8. The students were asked to submit their assignments by Friday. (were asked – finite; to submit – non-finite)
9. The teacher encouraged the students to work hard. (encouraged – finite; to work – non-finite)
10. The dog wagged its tail to show its happiness. (wagged – finite; to show – non-finite)
