Question

What are finite and nonfinite verbs?

Answer 1

Hint: A verb is a term that conveys an event or an occurrence. The word verb comes from the Latin verbum. The infinitive is the simplest type, and it can be used with or without the particle.

Complete answer:
A finite verb is a type of verb that expresses agreement with a subject. When the number or person of the subject changes, finite verbs modify their forms. In addition, different tenses have different forms for finite verbs. Finite verbs are also known as tensed verbs or main verbs. A finite clause is a word group in which the central element is a finite verb form. Finite verbs can serve as the root of an individual clause or a complete sentence, while non-finite verbs cannot.

For example, -Ram was running in order to reach the school on time, to collect his report card. In the given sentence “running” is a finite verb and “collect” is an infinite verb. When the number or person of the subject changes, Non-finite verbs do not change their form.

Non-finite verbs are divided into three categories: infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
A verb's infinitive form is the verb in its most basic form. It is the form of the verb that will be found in a dictionary. A verb's infinitive form is normally followed by the word ‘to’.Infinite verbs do not act as a preposition.
For example- Rani went to collect groceries.
In the above sentence, ‘to collect’ is an example of an infinite verb.

Note: Finite words depend on tense and relate to the subject of the sentence. Infinite words on the other hand do not depend on the tense of the sentence and also do not relate to the subject of the sentence.