Section outline

  • Non-Finite verbs are verbs which do not change they are form according to the:
    1. Tense (present, past & future)
    2. Number of people (singular, plural).
    3. Pronoun used as the subject (first, second or third person)

    Examples:

    1. I like playing.
    2. He likes playing.
    3. She will like playing.

    Here, the finite verb 'like' will change form with according to the pronoun or tense but the non-finite verb 'painting' remains unchanged.

    Non-finite verbs cannot be the main verb. 

    Example: 

    The teacher was pleased with his work.

    Here, 'was' is finite verb & 'pleased' is non-finite verb.

    • Non-Finite Verbs are of three types.

      They are:

      Types

    • Differences between Finite & Non-Finite Verbs are:
      Finite Verbs Non-Finite Verbs
      They change as per the tenses.  They don't change as per the tenses.
      They change as per the number & person. They don't change.
      They follow subject verb agreement. They don't change according to subject.
      They function as the main verb. They function as verb complements.
      Eg.: She sings. Eg.:  She loves singing.