VERB PHRASES part 2.

Finite and Non-finite verbs

A. FINITE VERBS

❖ Finite verbs are any verb whose form:

❖ may change to match its subject

❖ indicates the tenses (past/present/future)

❖ If a sentence has only a one-word verb, that verb will be a main

verb and it surely is a finite verb.

Examples:

1. Mr. Alex teaches chemistry.

2. He left yesterday morning.

3. Laura has a question.

❖ Some sentences have a verb that comes in the form of a phrase (a

multiple-word verb). In this case, it is most likely that the first word

of the verb phrase is the finite verb.

Examples:

1. The students are going to school.

2. Clara has been waiting for hours.

3. The visitors may leave after their payment is completed.

4. Pass me the knife, please!

B. NON-FINITE VERBS

❖ Non-finite verbs are any verb that is not a finite verb.

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❖ Non-finite verb form does not change to:

- Agree with its subject

- indicate the tenses (past/present/future)

❖ Hence, non-finite verbs remain unchanged with the change of the

subject, for example:

1. He is studying very hard.

2. My sister has bought the tickets.

3. You can go to the library tomorrow.

❖ Non-finite verbs remain unchanged with a change in tenses, for

example:

1. I am looking for my lost key.

2. I was looking for my lost key when you called me last night.

3. She has given me the payment.

4. She had given me the payment before she checked in yesterday.

❖ Both to-infinitives and gerund that that follow certain finite verbs

are non-finite verbs.

1. I want to try the new clothes.

2. She needs to leave home on time.

3. They consider changing the curtains.

4. We love hanging out at the beach.

Source: Finite and Non-finite Verbs — Original English (original-english.com)