Finite Verb vs. Nonfinite Verb: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 24, 2023
Finite verbs change form based on subject and tense, whereas nonfinite verbs don't exhibit such changes.
Key Differences
Finite verbs are verbs that have a specific tense, number, and person. They can act as the main verb in a sentence and change forms according to the subject's number and person. For instance, in the sentence "She sings," "sings" is a finite verb agreeing with its third-person singular subject. In contrast, nonfinite verbs do not change form based on tense, number, or person. They can't stand alone as the main verb without an auxiliary.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Nonfinite verbs come in three primary forms: infinitives, gerunds, and participles. For example, in "To read is fun," "to read" is an infinitive and a nonfinite verb. The characteristic that sets nonfinite verbs apart is their inability to dictate the number or person of the subject. On the other hand, finite verbs will always indicate a specific time, whether it's past, present, or future, by their form.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
In many sentences, finite verbs and nonfinite verbs can appear together. Consider "She wants to dance." Here, "wants" is a finite verb because it changes based on the subject and tense, while "to dance" is a nonfinite verb in the infinitive form. The finite verb provides the primary action or state of the subject, while the nonfinite verb often provides additional information or context.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Understanding the difference between finite verbs and nonfinite verbs is crucial for mastering English grammar. Recognizing a finite verb helps in determining the sentence's tense and agreement, while nonfinite verbs are essential for constructing various verb forms and adding depth or detail to sentences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Finite Verb and Nonfinite Verb Definitions
Finite Verb
The finite verb agrees in number and person with its subject.
He writes a letter.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Nonfinite Verb
Nonfinite verbs don't provide tense information on their own.
I am excited to travel.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Finite Verb
A sentence's primary verb, showing action or state, is typically finite.
The cat sleeps on the couch.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Nonfinite Verb
Nonfinite verbs don't change form for tense, number, or person.
To walk is enjoyable.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Finite Verb
A finite verb changes form based on its subject and tense.
She runs every morning.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Nonfinite Verb
Nonfinite verbs include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
Written words last forever.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Finite Verb
Finite verbs provide specific tense information in sentences.
They played soccer.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Nonfinite Verb
These verbs can't serve as the main verb without an auxiliary.
She likes to read novels.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Finite Verb
Finite verbs can stand alone as the main action in a sentence.
Birds sing.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Nonfinite Verb
They often function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in sentences.
Running is her hobby.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
FAQs
Can a finite verb stand alone?
Yes, a finite verb can stand alone as the main verb of a sentence.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
What is a finite verb?
A finite verb is a verb that has a specific tense, person, and number, and can function as the main verb in a clause.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Do finite verbs change forms?
Yes, they change according to tense, person, and number.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
What is the difference between "to" + verb and an infinitive?
The combination of "to" + verb is called the full infinitive, and it is a type of nonfinite verb.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Can a sentence have more than one finite verb?
Yes, in compound tenses or compound sentences. E.g., "He reads the book and writes an essay."
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
What’s the difference between a verb and a finite verb?
All finite verbs are verbs, but not all verbs are finite. Finite verbs show tense, person, and number.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
What is a nonfinite verb?
A nonfinite verb is a verb form that does not show tense, person, or number. Common nonfinite forms include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Can a nonfinite verb act as the main verb of a sentence?
No, it typically cannot stand alone as the primary verb in a main clause.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
Is "having" in "having eaten" a nonfinite verb?
Yes, "having" is part of the perfect participle "having eaten."
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
How can I identify a finite verb in a sentence?
Look for a verb that changes form based on the subject and shows tense, such as "she sings" vs. "she sang."
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
What are examples of nonfinite verbs?
"To run" (infinitive), "running" (gerund), and "run" (past participle) in "run."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
How are nonfinite verbs used in sentences?
They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, such as "Running is fun" (gerund as noun) or "The running water" (participle as adjective).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Can nonfinite verbs have a subject?
Not directly, but they can have implied subjects, as in "him seeing her" where "him" is the implied subject of "seeing."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Can nonfinite verbs take objects?
Yes, for instance, "to read a book" where "a book" is the object of the infinitive "to read."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Are auxiliary verbs considered finite?
They can be if they indicate tense, person, or number. For instance, "is" in "She is singing."
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Do other languages have nonfinite verbs?
Yes, many languages have verb forms that do not indicate tense, person, or number, functioning similarly to nonfinite verbs in English.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Is "were" in "If I were you" a finite verb?
Yes, it's a finite verb in the subjunctive mood.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Do other languages have finite verbs?
Yes, many languages have verb forms that change based on tense, person, and number.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Do nonfinite verbs change forms?
Generally, no. They don’t change with the subject or tense.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
