Finite and non-finite Verbs Examples

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Finite and non-finite Verbs Examples [List]

• The finite verb changes its form with the change of numbers of subjects. It has present or past forms according to the tenses. Finite verbs show tenses.

• The non-infinite verb does not change its form although the number of subjects changes. These verbs don’t show tenses. Non-finite verbs are of three types:
• Infinitives, participles (ed, d, t), and gerund (ing).

• Infinitives

This is the basic or primary form of a verb. We often use “to” before the infinitive verb.

1. She likes to sing.
2. He wanted to join the force.

• Gerunds

Gerunds are nouns that are formed from verbs. We use “ing” with the basic form of the verb.

1. She likes cooking.
2. I love dancing.

• Participles

In non-finite verbs, we can see two types of participles; past participles (ending ed,d, en, n, or t) and present participles (ending ing).

Sometimes, the participles either function as adjectives.

1. a burning sensation.
2. A broken fence
3. An accepted proposal

Often, they follow a finite verb.

1. She is cooking lunch.
2. He was calling you.
3. They are planning a party.

The forms of a verb that are present simple and past simple are finite.

1. I clean my house daily.
2. The building collapsed.
3. She goes to the office daily.

 

Sometimes, a non-finite verb is used after a finite verb.

1. He likes to eat burgers.
2. Dell dislikes cleaning the house.
3. I don’t want to see her.
4. She requested the boss to approve her application.

Sometimes, a noun or pronoun comes between the non-finite and finite verb.

1. He wants Dell to work honestly.
2. She wanted her brother to study abroad.
3. The father does not like his son driving fastly.

Although, after, if, though
After the subordinating conjunctions like although, after, if, though, we use non-infinite verbs.

1. Although exhausted, he left the office after completing his work.
2. The application, if accepted by the minister, will bring a great change to our education system.
3. After taking shower, he got ready and went to the party.
4. Though she was murmuring, Micheal could hear her.

Examples of finite verbs

1. My sister wants to join an office.
2. Stan Shih is happy.
3. She painted the wall.
4. Dell is varnishing the painted wall.
5. My mom takes care of us.
6. My dad goes to the office and does work hard.
7. I teach in a school.
8. She makes a coffee for her.
9. He rings the bell.
10. Stan Shih repaired his car.
11. They went on a trip.
12. He gave me a surprise on my birthday.
13. He started a new business.
14. The boys made fun of his dress.

Examples of infinite verbs

1. The man was driving his car.
2. They like swimming.
3. He knows how to sing.
4. We want you to complete this task.
5. She wanted not to wake anyone.
6. He wanted not to touch anything.
7. It is better to drive at an appropriate speed.
8. Are you ready to go?
9. I like to eat.
10. Can you achieve the given task?
11. She enjoyed the roasted meat.
12. They are discussing a serious matter.
13. She is running a salon.
14. We want to have dinner.

Read More Tutorials on Verbs

1. Action verb
2.  Auxiliary verbs
3.  Stative Verbs
4. Modal Verbs
5. Phrasal verbs
6. Irregular Verbs
7. Confusing Verbs
8. Transitive and intransitive Verbs
9. Finite and non-finite Verbs
10. Dynamic Verbs