Finite vs. Non-Finite Verbs
Finite Verbs
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A finite verb is a verb that has a subject.
Finite verbs show tense, person, and number.
Finite verbs can function as main verbs in sentences.
For example:
I live in Germany.
Non-Finite Verbs
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Non-finite verbs have no subjects.
Non-finite verbs do not show tense, person, and number.
Non-finite verbs cannot function as main verbs in sentences.
There are three types of non-finite verbs:
1. Infinitives Children like to talk to each other.
2. Participles The children were talking in class.
The talking children were too loud.
3. Gerunds  Talking is not allowed in the classroom.
Infinitives
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Infinitives are forms composed of the simple form of the verb.
Infinitives are commonly preceded by -to (but not always).
Infinitives function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Examples:
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I don’t like to go outside when it’s too hot.
It is not enough to succeed.
Participles
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There are three types of participles:
1. Present Participles  verb + -ing
2. Past Participles  verb + -ed
3. Perfect Participles  verb + -en
Participles function as adjectives. They modify nouns.
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Participles also function as a non-finite verb form in verb phrases (i.e., the other verbs
that occur with the main verb).
Examples:
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I had been reading a book when it started to rain.
The children have eaten breakfast.
They haven’t finished their homework yet.
The singing children sounded so beautiful.
The carpenter came to fix the broken door.
The exhausted doctors need a rest after their long work shift.
Gerunds
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Gerunds are forms composed of the simple form of the verb + -ing.
Gerunds function as nouns.
Gerunds do not name places, persons, things, or events. They name actions, states,
and behaviours.
Examples:
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Reading is my favourite hobby.
I don’t like going outside when it’s too hot.