Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercises: Understanding Verbs and Their Forms

What are Finite and Infinite Verb?

• Finite Verbs: A finite verb is a verb that has a subject and can work as the main verb in a sentence. It shows tense (past, present, future) and agrees with the subject in number and person.

• Non-finite Verbs: Non-finite verbs do not change according to the subject or tense. They often appear as infinitives, gerunds, or participles and do not serve as the main verb of a clause.

Examples

Finite Verbs:

• She writes a letter. (Present tense)

• They played football yesterday. (Past tense)

Non-finite Verbs:

• To dance is my passion. (Infinitive)

• I enjoy swimming. (Gerund)

• Baked in the oven, the cake smelled delicious. (Past participle)

The illustration below provides a detailed explanation of Finite and Infinite Verb:

Common Confusions:

• Confusion between gerunds and present participles: Both are derived from verbs but serve different functions. E.g., "Swimming is fun" (gerund as a noun) vs. "She is swimming" (present participle as part of a verb phrase).

• Mistaking non-finite verbs for finite ones in complex sentences.

Tips for Mastery:

• Practice identifying the main verb in sentences and see if it changes with different subjects and tenses.

• Remember that finite verbs always function as the main verb of a clause, while non-finite verbs never do.

Test Your Understanding of the Topic by Completing the Following Tasks:

Identify the finite and non-finite verbs in the following sentences:

1. She decided to leave early.

2. The boy running across the field is my brother.

3. They had finished their homework before playing.

Check Your Answers

Finite verb: decided, Non-finite verb: to leave

Finite verb: is, Non-finite verb: running

Finite verb: had finished, Non-finite verb: Playing

Solve the Worksheet!

Part 1: Identifying Finite and Non-finite Verbs

Instructions: Read the following sentences carefully and identify whether the underlined verb is finite or non-finite. Write "Finite" or "Non-finite" next to each sentence.

1. She enjoys swimming in the pool.

2. They are planning to visit the museum next week.

3. He runs every morning.

4. Baked by the chef, the cake was delicious.

5. We decided to go to the park today.

6. I saw him running across the street.

7. The flowers bloom in the spring.

8. Having finished his homework, he went out to play.

9. She likes dancing in the rain.

10. The dog barked loudly at the stranger.

Part 2: Filling in the Blanks

Instructions: Complete the sentences below by choosing the appropriate finite or non-finite verb from the options given in parentheses.

1. The teacher told the students _______ (to complete/completes) their assignments on time.

2. The cat loves _______ (chase/chasing) mice around the house.

3. We _______ (decide/decided) to watch a movie tonight.

4. The painting, _______ (created/creating) by the artist, is stunning.

5. She _______ (jumps/jumping) over the fence easily.

6. I saw them _______ (play/playing) in the garden.

7. They _______ (plan/planned) to start a new business.

8. _______ (Running/Run) in the morning is a good habit.

9. He _______ (wrote/writing) a letter to his friend.

10. The man _______ (walking/walks) by the river is my uncle.

Part 3: Sentence Formation

Instructions: Create sentences using the given words, making sure to use finite and non-finite verbs correctly.

1. I / enjoy/read / books.

2. She / like / bake / cookies / on weekends.

3. They / decide/visit / the museum.

4. He / happy / finish / his project.

5. The teacher / tell / students / be quiet.

Part 4: Writing Exercise

Instructions: Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) about a hobby or activity you enjoy. Use at least two finite verbs and two non-finite verbs in your paragraph.

Part 5: Task Review

Instructions: After completing the exercises, review your answers with the provided answer key to see if you identified and used finite and non-finite verbs correctly.

Answer Key

Part 1: Identifying Finite and Non-finite Verbs

1. Non-finite

2. Non-finite

3. Finite

4. Non-finite

5. Non-finite

6. Non-finite

7. Finite

8. Non-finite

9. Non-finite

10. Finite

Part 2: Filling in the Blanks

1. to complete

2. chasing

3. decided

4. created

5. jumps

6. playing

7. planned

8. Running

9. wrote

10. Walking

Part 3: Sentence Formation

1. I enjoy reading books.

2. She likes baking cookies on weekends.

3. They decided to visit the museum.

4. He is happy to finish his project.

5. The teacher told the students to be quiet.

Takeaways from the Topic “Finite and Non-finite Verbs”

• Finite verbs are crucial for constructing sentences that express time and action directly related to the subject.

• Non-finite verbs serve various roles and add depth to sentences but do not show tense or agree with the subject.

• Understanding the difference between these types of verbs enhances your ability to write and speak more effectively.