Section outline

  • Definition & Types

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    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.

  • The Infinitive

    The infinitive are the to - verbs.

    Structure of infinitives is:

    to + base form of verb.

    Examples:

    1. She wanted to discuss her plan.
    2. It is harmful to drink impure water.

    • A bare infinitive is an infinitive without 'to'.

      Bare infinitives are used:

      1. After Modal Verbs.

      Examples:

      1. She should consult a doctor.
      2. She can sing.
      2. After verbs of perception.

      These are: see, hear, watch, know, feel

      Examples:

      1. I heard him shout for help.
      2. I saw the thief take away her bag.
      3. After verbs - let, make, bid, dare, need.

      Examples:

      1. She made him apologize.
      2. Let me try this experiment.
      4. After 'than' & 'but'.

      Example:

      She can dance better than sing.

      5. After phrases - would rather, would sooner than, rather than, had better.

      Examples:

      1. She had better leave now.
      2. I would rather stay at home.

  • Gerund

    Gerunds are 'ing' form of verbs that work as nouns.

    Example:

    Dancing requires a lot of practice.

    Here,

    1. Dancing is a verb formed by adding 'ing' to the verb 'dance'.
    2. It is the subject of the sentence.
    3. It answers the question 'what requires a lot of practice.'
    4. It acts as a noun.

    Features:

    1. As gerunds are verbal nouns (nouns derived from verbs).
    2. We can use articles, adjectives, possessive adjectives, etc. with them.
    3. A gerund can act as subject or object in a sentence.

    Examples:

    1. The singing of the choir was beautiful. (article 'the' is used before gerund 'singing'.)
    2. Regular exercising keeps you healthy. (adjective 'regular' is used with gerund 'exercising'.)
    3. Running is fun. (subject)
    4. She enjoys reading. (object)
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  • Participle

    A Participle is a verb that functions as an adjective.

    Examples:

    1. The running water was cold.
    2. She prefers cooked vegetables.

    Here,

    1. The words 'running & cooked' act as adjectives.
    2. They describe the nouns 'water & vegetables'.
    3. 'Running' is formed by 'run (verb) + ing'.
    4. 'Cooked' is formed by 'cook (verb) + ed'.

    Hence, they are participles.

    Features:

    1. Participles are derived from verbs.
    2. They perform the work of verbal adjectives as they describe the noun.
    3. They help in creating verb tenses.

    There are two types of participles.

    Let's understand each of them in detail.

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  • Summary

    In this course we learn't about:

    1. Non-finite verbs.
    2. How non-finite verbs are different from finite verbs.
    3. The Infinitives (to verbs).
    4. Bare Infinitives (verbs which dont use 'to' but are infinitives).
    5. Gerunds ('ing' verbs).
    6. Present participle ('ing' verbs).
    7. Past participle ('ed' verbs).

    In the next course, we will learn all about tenses & how participles are used!

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