This document defines and provides examples of finite and non-finite verbs. Finite verbs are limited by the number, person, and tense of the subject. Non-finite verbs are not limited in this way. There are three types of non-finite verbs: the infinitive, which is usually preceded by "to" and acts like a noun, adjective, or adverb; the present and past participles, which act like adjectives; and the gerund, which ends in "ing" and acts like a noun. Examples of each non-finite verb form are given.

1. FINITE
AND
NON-FINITE

2. A VERB THAT
IS LIMITED BY
THE
NUMBER
THE
PERSON
THE
TENSE
OF ITS
SUBJECT
A VERB THAT IS
NOT LIMITED BY
THE
NUMBER
THE
PERSON
OF ITS
SUBJECT
FINITE VERB NON-FINITE VERB
THE
TENSE

3. EXAMPLES
 They play football.
 He plays football.
 You are playing football.
 She is playing football.
 She was playing football.
Things to observe :
Each verb has its subject.
The form of the verb depends on its subject.
Each verb is limited by number, person of the subject
and its tense .
THESE ARE
FINITE VERBS

4. EXAMPLES
1.They like to play football.
2.He likes to play football.
3.She is playing football.
4.He was playing football.
5.They have always liked to play football.
Things to observe:
The verb ‘play’ doesn’t have any subject.
The verb ‘play’ isn’t limited by number, person of the subject.
It isn’t limited by the tense of the sentence.
THESE ARE
NON-FINITE VERBS

5. NON-FINITE
VERBS
THE INFINITIVE
GERUND
PARTICIPLE

6. THE INFINITIVE
IS A NON-FINITE VERB
IS GENERALLY PRECEDED BY ‘TO’
IS A VERB THAT IS USED LIKE A NOUN, ADJECTIVE, OR ADVERB.
1
1.The students like to join our club.
2. It is easy to criticize others.
3. The captain hopes to win the game
4. The girl is too sick to walk.
5. The children have come to see the

7. THE PARTICIPLE
IS A NON-FINITE VERB.
IS A VERB THAT DOES THE WORK OF AN ADJECTIVE.
The Present Participle:
Ends in ‘ing’
Shows an action as going on
 or incomplete.
The Past Participle:
Ends in –ed, -d, -t, -en,
or -n
Shows an action as
completed.

8. THE PRESENT PARTICIPLE
1.I saw the thief stealing money.
2.I can hear him laughing.
3.He climbed onto the moving train.
4. Seeing the rush of people, he closed the door.
5. I saw the moon rising.
6. They were playing when we went to the shop.
7. Seeing her arrive, we were relieved.
8.Considering his abilities, he should have done better.
9. The weather being fine, we went out.
10. Stealing a piece of cheese, the crow flew to the nest.

9. THE PAST PARTICIPLE
1.Deceived by his brothers, he sought justice from the court.
2. His torn coat looked so shabby.
3. A lost opportunity never comes back.
4. The lady seems worried about something.
5. I saw the boy with the stolen cycle.
6. The long queue left the boy disappointed.
7. Learned men don’t talk much.
8. Blinded by the thunder-storm, he fell down.
9. Driven out by his family, he took help from his friends.
10. They had gone before the rain started.

10. THE GERUND
IS A NON- FINITE VERB.
ENDS IN ‘ING’
WORKS LIKE A NOUN
1. Jogging is a good exercise.
2.Reading is his hobby.
3.We enjoy eating ice-creams.
4.The boys were tired of running.
5.We spend the whole time playing cards.
6. The child loves watching the rain.
7. Dying is better than lying.
8.The two friends are fond of flying kites.
9.He seemed to be interested in fighting.
10.She prefers studying English at night.