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.
1My little brother "wants" to be an actor.
Wrong!
The verb "wants" is "finite" because it has a subject and shows present simple tense.
2She worked hard "to pass" the test.
Wrong!
The infinitive phrase "to pass" is "non-finite" because it does not show tense by itself.
3I "couldn't solve" the problem.
Wrong!
The verb phrase "couldn't solve" is "finite" because the modal verb "couldn't" shows tense and agrees with the subject.
4"To err" is human.
Wrong!
The infinitive phrase "to err" is "non-finite" because it does not show tense by itself.
5Your duty is "to cross" the river without being noticed.
Wrong!
The infinitive phrase "to cross" is "non-finite" because it does not show tense by itself.
6The doctor "is attending" to the injured people.
Wrong!
The verb phrase "is attending" is "finite" because the auxiliary "is" shows present tense and agrees with the subject.
7She "opened" the door.
Wrong!
The verb "opened" is "finite" because it shows past simple tense.
8The students were asked "to submit" their assignments by Friday.
Wrong!
The infinitive phrase "to submit" is "non-finite" because it does not show tense by itself.
9The teacher "encouraged" the students to work hard.
Wrong!
The verb "encouraged" is "finite" because it shows past simple tense.
10The dog "wagged" its tail to show its happiness.
Wrong!
The verb "wagged" is "finite" because it shows past simple tense.
Answers
- My little brother “wants” to be an actor. — finite
- She worked hard “to pass” the test. — non-finite
- I “couldn’t solve” the problem. — finite
- “To err” is human. — non-finite
- Your duty is “to cross” the river without being noticed. — non-finite
- The doctor “is attending” to the injured people. — finite
- She “opened” the door. — finite
- The students were asked “to submit” their assignments by Friday. — non-finite
- The teacher “encouraged” the students to work hard. — finite
- The dog “wagged” its tail to show its happiness. — finite
