Finite and Non-Finite Verbs: A Simple Guide
Verbs are the action words in a sentence. They describe what the subject is doing. But verbs can exist in different forms, and those forms determine their role in the sentence. This is where the terms "finite" and "non-finite" come in.
Finite Verbs:
* Have a subject. They describe the action of a specific noun or pronoun.
* Show tense. They indicate when the action happened (past, present, future).
* Agree with the subject in number and person. For example, "I walk" vs. "He walks".
* Can stand alone as the main verb of a sentence.
Examples:
* She sings. (Present tense, singular subject)
* The dog barked. (Past tense, singular subject)
* We will eat later. (Future tense, plural subject)
Non-Finite Verbs:
* Don't have a subject. They describe the action without specifying who or what is performing it.
* Don't show tense. They don't indicate when the action happened.
* Cannot stand alone as the main verb of a sentence.
Forms of Non-Finite Verbs:
1. Infinitives: Usually appear with "to" before the verb (e.g., "to sing," "to eat").
2. Gerunds: Verbs ending in "-ing" acting as nouns (e.g., "singing," "eating").
3. Participles: Verbs ending in "-ing" or "-ed" acting as adjectives (e.g., "singing birds," "painted door").
Examples:
* To swim is her favorite activity. (Infinitive)
* Walking is good exercise. (Gerund)
* The broken window needed repair. (Participle)
Key Points:
* Finite verbs are the backbone of a sentence. They tell us what's happening.
* Non-finite verbs add detail and complexity to sentences, but they need a finite verb to function.
Remember: Understanding the difference between finite and non-finite verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.