Finite and Non-Finite Verbs in English Grammer - Types and Defination - Updated for Class 5/Grade 5
Understanding verbs is very important in English grammar. Verbs are action words, but they can be of different types. Two important kinds of verbs are Finite Verbs and Non-Finite Verbs. Let’s learn their meanings, rules, and examples in a simple way.
Fundamental Concept of Finite and Non-Finite Verbs:
Finite verbs depend on subject and tense, while non-finite verbs do not change and can act as other parts of speech. Mastering both will make your grammar stronger!
What is an Finite Verb? Definition : A Finite Verb is a verb that changes its form according to the subject and tense.
It shows the time of the action (past, present, or future).
It must have a subject in the sentence.
A finite verb functions as the main verb in a sentence. It shows tense and agreement with the subject.
We go, We went, We will go, We will be going.
A simple sentence has one finite verb. A finite verb makes a sentence complete.
What is an Non-Finite Verb? Definition : A Non-Finite Verb does not change its form according to the subject or tense.
A Non finite verb does not show tense.
It cannot be the main verb of the sentence.
Example 1: He told(Finite) us to go(Non-Finite).
Example 2: My sister washing(Non finite and ending with -ing) her cloth. Here main verb is absent and hence it is an incomplete sentence.
We add a helping verb to a non-finite verb to make it finite.
Example 3 : We going (Main verb is absent).
Example 4 : We are(helping verb) going.(sentence is complete).
More on Finite and Non-Finite Verbs in English grammer
Why Finite and Non-Finite Verbs are required?
Finite and Non-Finite Verbs with Examples
Rules for Finite and Non-Finite Verbs
Worksheets for Finite and Non-Finite Verbs
Online test for Finite and Non-Finite Verbs
Why Finite and Non-Finite Verbs are required?
Finite and Non-Finite Verbs help in writing correct sentences. They make it easy to understand grammar rules. These improve spoken and written English and very useful for exams and communication.
Finite and Non-Finite Verbs with Examples
Let's understand the Finite and Non-Finite Verbs with examples to clear the concept.
Finite verbs with Examples
- She plays football every day.
- They play football every day.
- He is reading a book.
- I was running in the park.
- We eat dinner at 8 p.m.
- The sun rises in the east.
- The children were singing loudly.
- He writes a letter to his friend.
- I went to school yesterday.
- We will watch a movie tonight.
Non-Finite verbs with Examples
- She likes to dance.
- Swimming is a good exercise.
- I enjoy reading books.
- The crying baby needs milk.
- She decided to visit her grandmother.
- Walking in the morning is healthy.
- The man standing there is my uncle.
- They kept on playing in the rain.
- He promised to call me tomorrow.
Rules for Finite and Non-Finite Verbs(Grade 5/Class 5 scope)
Rules - Finite Verbs
- A finite verb depends on the subject (singular/plural).
- It changes form according to tense (past, present, future).
- It is the main verb in the clause or sentence.
Rules - Non-Finite Verbs
- They remain the same no matter who the subject is.
- They do not show tense (past, present, future).
- They act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, not the main verb.
Worksheets for Finite and Non-Finite Verbs
Worksheet 1: Underline the Finite and Non-Finite Verbs in below sentences (Class 5/Grade 5 scope)
- He promised to call me tomorrow.
- We will watch a movie tonight.
- They kept on playing in the rain.
- I went to school yesterday.
- The man standing there is my uncle.
- He writes a letter to his friend.
Free Online test for Finite and Non-Finite Verbs(Class 5/Grade 5 scope)
Online test 1: Describing words or Adjectives
Test your understanding by taking this free online test. When you click on the link, the page will open in a separate window. When you submit each answer, you will whether your answer is correct and score will be updated. At the end, test result will be displayed for you. Best of Luck!!!
Free Online Test - Describing words or Adjectives (01)
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