Non-finite Verbs: Meaning, Types, and Examples

Verbs can be found in many varieties, each with some specific function in sentence structure. Non-finite Verbs are a vital subset of verbs that don’t represent tense, number, or a person. They function instead as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs in sentences. Understanding the non-finite verbs and their various forms is essential in constructing grammatically accurate and flexible sentences.

In this blog, we’ll explore the kinds, meanings, and examples of non-finite words and shed light on their usage and significance for English and language structure.

What are Non-finite Verbs?

Non-finite Verbs do not signify a number, tense, or even a person. They cannot function as the primary phrase and can’t be used as the sole predicate. Instead, they modify nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within different sentence structures.

Types of Non-finite Verbs:

Non-finite Verbs can be further divided into three significant kinds based on their form:

1. Infinitives are the most basic verb form preceded by “to.” They can serve as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs within sentences.
2. Examples:

• • She likes to dance. (Infinitive performing as noun)
  • He is keen to acquire new techniques. (Infinitive using the word “adjective”)
  • They arrived early to get out of the traffic. (Infinitive serving as an adjectival)

1. Gerunds: Gerunds are verbs that end in “-ing” and act as nouns in sentences.
2. Examples:

• • The sport of swimming is her preferred sport.
  • He enjoys reading novels.
  • A day of skis can be an exciting experience.

1. Participles: Participles are verbs that end with “-ed” (past participle) or “-ing” (present participle). They can be used as adjectives in sentences.
2. Examples:

• • The toast that was burned toast was bitter. (Past participle that acts like an adjectival)
  • The thrilling film kept us interested. (Present participle acting in the form of an adjective)
• The stunned crowd applauded. (Past participle used in the form of an adjective)

How to use non-finite words

Non-finite words can be utilized in various ways. However, they can’t be the principal verb in a separate clause. For instance, “to eat” can be used non-infinitive “to eat” can be employed for the following purposes:

Example Sentences of Non-finite Verbs:

• He loves to go swimming at sea. (Infinitive acts as an adjective)
• I want to travel around the world. (Infinitive using the word “travel” as a verb)
• They have to complete the work on Friday. (Infinitive being an adjective)
• The sport of running is beneficial for health. (Gerund acting as an adjective)
• I enjoy painting landscapes. (Gerund used as an adjective)
• Singing makes her feel happy. (Gerund acting as an adjective)
• The scared child was able to hug his mother. (Past participle used as an adjective)
• The damaged window requires repair. (Past participle that acts in the form of an adjectival)
• The baby that was asleep was adorable. (Present participle being used like an adjective)
• She likes to dance gracefully. (Infinitives)
• He’s planning to take a bite of pizza with his dinner. (Infinitives)
• They have plans to travel to Europe in the summer of next year. (Infinitives)
• She is hoping to be able to win the contest. (Infinitives)
• We have to prepare to pass the test. (Infinitives)
• The sport of swimming is a fantastic method to keep healthy. (Gerunds)
• He enjoys reading mystery novels. (Gerunds)
• A ski ride on the slope was thrilling. (Gerunds)
• Cooking is her love affair. (Gerunds)
• The writing of stories gives her happiness. (Gerunds)
• The dog’s barking dog alerted neighbors. (Present Participles)
• They love hiking in the mountains and walking through the forest. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• It was his habit to be a guitarist on his guitar; however, nowadays, he is more comfortable with the piano. His piano. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The thrill of skiing on the snow is his favorite winter sport. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• We plan to take a camping trip and enjoy fishing on the lake. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• While walking at the sea, she picked up seashells. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• He can be found spending hours engaging in online games. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• Reading books helps improve your vocabulary. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The barking dog woke the neighbors. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The shining sun warmed the garden. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The girl used to perform ballet when she was a child. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The toast that was burned toast smelled awful. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• Consuming healthy is crucial to well-being. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The captivating film kept us at the top of our chairs. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• A broken wheel on the bike needed to be replaced. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The children are enthralled by having fun at the parks. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The writing of poems is her artistic outlet. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• We could see a group of walking enthusiasts along the trail. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The autumnal leaves drenched the ground in vivid hues. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The eager students were getting ready for their school excursion. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• He had a plan for his trip all over the world. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The hike through the hills is an exciting experience. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The completed puzzle was beautiful. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• She can remember taking her medication each day. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• A fall of rain rehydrated the earth. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The baking of Cookies filled the air with a beautiful fragrance. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• They chose to take a trip to see the sights and enjoyed visiting iconic landmarks. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• The damaged toys were too damaged to repair. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• She’s not able to keep from laughing at the hilarious video. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)
• Reading inspiring quotes motivates him. (Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles Combined)