Verbs can be Divided into two Categories

Finite verbs: are governed by the person and number of the subject.

Examples:

• I am driving down the lane.
• Bandana drives to college.
• They drive very fast.

In the above sentences, the verb ‘drive’ is governed by the person and number of the subjects, ‘I’, ‘Bandana’ and ‘They’ respectively

Non - Finite Verb: Non-finite verbs do not change their form even when the person and the number of the subject changes.

Examples:

• I want to eat something delicious.
• Bandana has to eat apples every day.
• They want to eat eggs for breakfast

In the above sentences, the verb ‘eat’ does not change even though the person and number of the subject change

Gerund: The ‘-ing’ form of the verb which is used as a noun is called a gerund. It is also called the verbal noun.

Examples:

• Taking exercise is important.
• Running is a good way to keep fit.

Infinite: The infinitive is the base form of the verb. It is often used with ‘to’ or without ‘to’. Infinitives with ‘to’ before them are called ‘to-infinitives’.

Examples:

• David and I agreed to meet at 4 o’clock.
• I’ll arrange to see the dentist straight away.

Participle: There are two kinds of participles Present and Past.

a) Present participles are formed by adding ‘-ing’ to the base verb.

Example:

• I have been reading.

b) Past participles are formed by adding -d, -ed, -en, -t or -n to the base verb.

Example:

• I have worked

Finite and Non Finite Verb Videos