Finite and Non-finite verb

  • Explanation:

    • Finite Verbs: These verbs show tense and agree with the subject in number and person. They can stand alone as the main verb of a sentence.

      • Example: He likes ice cream. (Finite verb is likes because it agrees with the subject “He” and shows tense.)

    • Non-Finite Verbs: These verbs do not show tense and cannot serve as the main verb of a sentence on their own. They include infinitives (“to + verb”), gerunds (verb + “ing”), and participles (verb forms like “bored,” “crying”).

      • Example: She enjoys swimming. (Non-finite verb is swimming because it does not show tense and serves as a noun here.)

In the following sentences, identify the finite verb(s).

  1. She sings beautifully.
  2. They were playing soccer in the park.
  3. The sun rises in the east.
  4. If he comes, we will start the meeting.
  5. The children are very excited about the trip.
  6. She has finished her homework.
  7. We visited the museum last week.
  8. They have been reading the book all day.
  9. I am learning Spanish.
  10. He runs every morning.

Answers:

  1. sings
  2. were playing
  3. rises
  4. comes
  5. are
  6. has finished
  7. visited
  8. have been reading
  9. am learning
  10. runs

Exercise 1: Identify the Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

  1. She likes to swim in the ocean.
  2. We are going to the mall to buy new clothes.
  3. He has decided to take the offer.
  4. The baby is crying because she is hungry.
  5. Having finished his homework, John went to play outside.
  6. I saw him running down the street.
  7. They want to travel to Italy next summer.
  8. Bored with the lecture, she started doodling.
  9. I enjoy playing the piano.
  10. He was walking while talking on the phone.

Answers:

  1. Finite verb: likes | Non-finite verb: to swim
  2. Finite verb: are going | Non-finite verb: to buy
  3. Finite verb: has decided | Non-finite verb: to take
  4. Finite verb: is crying | Non-finite verb: None
  5. Finite verb: went | Non-finite verb: Having finished
  6. Finite verb: saw | Non-finite verb: running
  7. Finite verb: want | Non-finite verb: to travel
  8. Finite verb: started | Non-finite verb: Bored
  9. Finite verb: enjoy | Non-finite verb: playing
  10. Finite verb: was walking | Non-finite verb: talking

Exercise 2 : Identify Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

  1. They love to sing in the choir.
  2. I am watching a movie right now.
  3. The students were asked to complete the assignment.
  4. Walking in the park, she saw a beautiful bird.
  5. He enjoys playing the guitar.
  6. We need to study for the test.
  7. Confused by the directions, they took a wrong turn.
  8. She promised to visit her grandmother next weekend.
  9. Driven by ambition, he worked late every night.
  10. We are planning to travel to Japan this summer.

Answers:

  1. Finite verb: love | Non-finite verb: to sing
  2. Finite verb: am watching | Non-finite verb: None
  3. Finite verb: were asked | Non-finite verb: to complete
  4. Finite verb: saw | Non-finite verb: Walking
  5. Finite verb: enjoys | Non-finite verb: playing
  6. Finite verb: need | Non-finite verb: to study
  7. Finite verb: took | Non-finite verb: Confused
  8. Finite verb: promised | Non-finite verb: to visit
  9. Finite verb: worked | Non-finite verb: Driven
  10. Finite verb: are planning | Non-finite verb: to travel