Finite Verbs vs. Nonfinite Verbs

Attribute	Finite Verbs	Nonfinite Verbs
Tense	Present, Past, Future	No tense
Subject-Verb Agreement	Must agree with the subject	No subject-verb agreement
Inflection	Can be inflected for person, number, and tense	No inflection for person or number
Usage	Used as main verbs in sentences	Used as auxiliary verbs or in verbal phrases
Participles	Can have participles (present and past)	Can have participles (present and past)
Gerunds	Cannot function as gerunds	Can function as gerunds
Infinitives	Can have infinitives	Can have infinitives

Introduction

Verbs are an essential part of any sentence, as they express actions, states, or occurrences. In the English language, verbs can be classified into two main categories: finite verbs and nonfinite verbs. While both types serve a purpose in constructing sentences, they possess distinct attributes that set them apart. This article aims to explore and compare the attributes of finite verbs and nonfinite verbs, shedding light on their usage and grammatical characteristics.

Finite Verbs

Finite verbs are the most common type of verbs used in sentences. They are called "finite" because they have a specific form that changes according to the subject and tense of the sentence. Here are some key attributes of finite verbs:

• Finite verbs can stand alone as the main verb in a sentence, expressing a complete action or state.
• They are inflected to match the subject in terms of person, number, and tense.
• Finite verbs can be conjugated in various tenses, such as present, past, future, and conditional.
• They can also be modified by auxiliary verbs to form compound tenses or express different aspects.
• Finite verbs play a crucial role in constructing grammatically complete sentences.

Nonfinite Verbs

Nonfinite verbs, on the other hand, do not have a specific form that changes according to the subject or tense of the sentence. They are not limited by person or number and do not function as the main verb in a sentence. Let's explore the attributes of nonfinite verbs:

• Nonfinite verbs cannot stand alone as the main verb in a sentence; they require a finite verb to complete their meaning.
• They are not inflected for person, number, or tense.
• Nonfinite verbs are often used to express actions or states that are incomplete, ongoing, or hypothetical.
• They can be used in various forms, including infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
• Nonfinite verbs are commonly used in conjunction with finite verbs to form complex sentence structures.

Infinitives

One form of nonfinite verb is the infinitive. Infinitives are the base form of a verb, typically preceded by the word "to." Here are some attributes of infinitives:

• Infinitives are not inflected for person, number, or tense.
• They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
• Infinitives are often used to express purpose, intention, or to indicate what someone wants or needs to do.
• Examples of infinitives include "to run," "to eat," and "to study."
• Infinitives can be used as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

Gerunds

Another form of nonfinite verb is the gerund. Gerunds are verb forms that end in "-ing" and function as nouns in a sentence. Let's explore the attributes of gerunds:

• Gerunds are not inflected for person, number, or tense.
• They can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
• Gerunds are often used to express ongoing actions or states.
• Examples of gerunds include "swimming," "reading," and "writing."
• Gerunds can be modified by adjectives or adverbs, just like regular nouns.

Participles

Participles are verb forms that can function as adjectives or parts of verb phrases. They come in two forms: present participles (ending in "-ing") and past participles (often ending in "-ed" or irregularly formed). Let's examine the attributes of participles:

• Participles are not inflected for person or number, but they can be inflected for tense.
• Present participles are used to describe ongoing actions or states, while past participles describe completed actions or states.
• Participles can modify nouns, pronouns, or other parts of a sentence.
• Examples of present participles include "running," "singing," and "laughing."
• Examples of past participles include "played," "written," and "broken."

Usage and Examples

Now that we have explored the attributes of finite verbs and nonfinite verbs, let's examine their usage in sentences:

Finite Verb Example: "Sheruns every morning to stay fit."

In this example, the finite verb "runs" is inflected to match the subject "she" and expresses a complete action.

Nonfinite Verb Example: "She lovesto run every morning to stay fit."

In this example, the nonfinite verb "to run" functions as the object of the verb "loves" and expresses an ongoing action.

Gerund Example: "Running is her favorite form of exercise."

In this example, the gerund "running" functions as the subject of the sentence, expressing an ongoing action.

Participle Example: "The broken vase needs to be replaced."

In this example, the past participle "broken" modifies the noun "vase" and describes its state.

Conclusion

Finite verbs and nonfinite verbs serve different purposes in constructing sentences. Finite verbs have specific forms that change according to the subject and tense, while nonfinite verbs lack such inflections. Infinitives, gerunds, and participles are common forms of nonfinite verbs, each with its own attributes and usage. Understanding the distinctions between finite and nonfinite verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. By utilizing the appropriate verb forms, writers and speakers can effectively convey their intended actions, states, or occurrences.