Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Grammar Finite, Non-finite Verbs
Finite, Non-Finite Verbs (Text Book Page No.: 176-177)
1. Finite verbs :
a. My brother goes to temple daily.
b. We have already finished the project.
The words printed in bold letters are finite verbs.
1. Finite verbs indicate the tense and time of actions.
2. Finite verbs undergo a change as and when the Subject (number or person) changes.
2. Non-Finite Verbs :
1. Non-finite verbs do not indicate the tense and time of actions.
2. Non-finite verbs do not change even when the Subject (number or person)changes.
There are three kinds of non-finite verbs.
1. An infinitive (to + verb)
2. A gerund (verb + ing)
3. A participle
Example:
a. My son likes to watch cricket matches. (Infinitive)
b. Playing chess is my hobby. (Gerund)
c. Driven out of the kingdom, the king hid himself in a forest. (Participle)
Exercises:
In the following sentences, state whether the underlined verb is finite or non-finite.
Question 1.
My little brother wants to be an actor.
Answer:
wants – finite; to be – non-finite
Question 2.
She worked hard to pass the test.
Answer:
worked – finite; to pass – non-finite
Question 3.
I couldn’t solve the problem.
Answer:
couldn’t solve – finite
Question 4.
To err is human.
Answer:
to err – non-finite; is – finite
Question 5.
Your duty is to cross the river without getting noticed.
Answer:
is – finite; to cross – non-finite; getting – non-finite
Question 6.
The doctor is attending to the injured people.
Answer:
is attending – finite
Question 7.
She opened the door.
Answer:
opened – finite
Question 8.
The students were asked to submit their assignments by Friday.
Answer:
were asked – finite; to submit – non-finite
Question 9.
The teacher encouraged the students to work hard.
Answer:
encouraged – finite; to work – non-finite
Question 10.
The dog wagged its tail to show its happiness.
Answer:
wagged – finite; to show – non-finite