Nonfinite Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Nonfinite Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Nonfinite Verb?
Nonfinite Verb Definition: A Nonfinite Verb is a verb that does not show tense, person, or number. It cannot function as the main verb in a sentence and includes infinitives, gerunds, and participles. These verb forms are used to create complex sentence structures and express various grammatical relationships.
Why are Nonfinite Verbs Important? They are essential for creating complex sentences, expressing purpose, functioning as nouns or adjectives, and forming verb phrases with auxiliary verbs. They add variety and sophistication to English writing and speech.
Function in Grammar
Nonfinite verbs function as parts of speech other than main verbs. They can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and they help create complex sentence structures. For example:
- To run is my favorite exercise. (Infinitive as subject)
- I enjoy running in the park. (Gerund as object)
- The running water is cold. (Participle as adjective)
Nonfinite Verb vs Finite Verb: Nonfinite verbs don't show tense, person, or number, while finite verbs do and can function as main verbs.
Types of Nonfinite Verbs
| Type | Form | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | to + base form | Noun, adjective, adverb | to run, to write, to study |
| Gerund | base form + -ing | Noun | running, writing, studying |
| Present Participle | base form + -ing | Adjective, adverb | running, writing, studying |
| Past Participle | -ed or irregular form | Adjective, adverb | run, written, studied |
Nonfinite verbs have different forms and functions in sentences.
📌 Nonfinite Verb Challenge!
Can you identify the nonfinite verbs in these sentences?
- I like to run in the morning.
- Running is good exercise.
- The running water is cold.
Show Answers
- to run (infinitive as object)
- Running (gerund as subject)
- running (present participle as adjective)
Examples of Nonfinite Verbs in Sentences
- To study is important for success. (Infinitive as subject)
- I want to learn Spanish. (Infinitive as object)
- She has a book to read. (Infinitive as adjective)
- I came here to help you. (Infinitive as adverb)
- Swimming is my favorite sport. (Gerund as subject)
- I enjoy reading novels. (Gerund as object)
- She is good at cooking. (Gerund after preposition)
- The running water is cold. (Present participle as adjective)
- I saw him walking down the street. (Present participle as object complement)
- Walking slowly, she entered the room. (Present participle as adverb)
- The written exam was difficult. (Past participle as adjective)
- I found the book written by that author. (Past participle as object complement)
- Written in 1920, this book is still popular. (Past participle as adverb)
- She has finished her homework. (Past participle with helping verb)
- They are studying for the exam. (Present participle with helping verb)
Notice how nonfinite verbs function as different parts of speech and don't show tense, person, or number.
Nonfinite Verbs vs Finite Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Nonfinite Verb | Finite Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Tense | No tense shown | Shows tense (past, present, future) |
| Person | No person shown | Shows person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) |
| Number | No number shown | Shows number (singular/plural) |
| Function | Cannot be main verb | Can be main verb |
| Examples | to run, running, run | I run, she runs, they ran |
Nonfinite verbs don't show grammatical information, while finite verbs do.
Special Rules and Notes
- No Tense: Nonfinite verbs don't show when actions happen - they are timeless.
- No Agreement: Nonfinite verbs don't change form based on subject person or number.
- Multiple Functions: Nonfinite verbs can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
- Complex Sentences: Nonfinite verbs help create complex sentence structures.
- Gerund vs Present Participle: Both use -ing form but function differently (gerund = noun, participle = adjective/adverb).
- Infinitive Forms: Can be full infinitive (to + base) or bare infinitive (base form only).
- Perfect Forms: Nonfinite verbs can have perfect forms (having run, to have run).
- Passive Forms: Nonfinite verbs can have passive forms (being run, to be run).
Quick Quiz: Identify Nonfinite Verbs!
Which words are nonfinite verbs in these sentences?
- I like to run in the morning.
- Swimming is good exercise.
- The running water is cold.
- I want to learn Spanish.
- She enjoys reading books.
- The written exam was difficult.
- Walking slowly, he entered the room.
- I have finished my homework.
Answers: to run, Swimming, running, to learn, reading, written, Walking, finished
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- I like run in the morning. (Missing to)
- To study is important. (Correct)
- She enjoys to read books. (Wrong form after enjoy)
Show Corrected Sentences
- I like to run in the morning. (Add to for infinitive)
- To study is important. (Already correct)
- She enjoys reading books. (Use gerund after enjoy)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nonfinite verb?
A nonfinite verb is a verb that does not show tense, person, or number. It cannot function as the main verb in a sentence and includes infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
How do you identify a nonfinite verb?
Nonfinite verbs do not change form to show tense, person, or number and cannot be the main verb in a sentence.
What are the types of nonfinite verbs?
Infinitives (to run), gerunds (running), and participles (written, running) are all nonfinite verbs.
Why are nonfinite verbs important?
They are essential for creating complex sentences, expressing purpose, and functioning as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Can nonfinite verbs be used as the main verb?
No, nonfinite verbs cannot be the main verb in a sentence. They always need a finite verb.
Conclusion
Understanding nonfinite verbs is essential for creating sophisticated and varied English sentences. These verb forms, while not showing tense, person, or number, are crucial for expressing complex ideas and relationships. Remember that nonfinite verbs can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and they help create the rich, complex sentence structures that make English expressive and nuanced. Practice identifying and using infinitives, gerunds, and participles correctly. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to use nonfinite verbs to enhance your writing and speaking skills!