Verbs

Finite Verbs

Finite verbs change according to their subjects, numbers, person, tense.

Set 1.	He liked Dancing.	He likes dancing.	He will like dancing.
Set 2.	I like to dance.	He likes to dance.	They like to dance.

In the first set of sentences, the verb like changes tense.

In the second set, the verb changes to match the subject in number and person (I/he/they). This is because it has a subject (I/he/they). Here, the verb like is a finite verb.

• A least one finite verb is compulsary in a sentence.
• Every sentence in English needs a finite verb. It is an essential part of a sentence.
• An infinitive is a non-finite verb that does the work of a noun in a sentence.
• An infinitive may be as the subject or object of a finite verb.

Non-finite Verbs

Now look at the verbs dancing and to dance. They do not change in either tense or number. These are called non-finite verbs.

Infinitive doesn't change according to tense or number or person of the subject.

Gerund also doesn't change according to tense or number or person of the subject.

1. Infinitive (to + V₁)
   Read these sentences :
   
   1. Birds love to sing.
   2. To help others is our duty.


2. Gerund (V₁ + ing)
   Read these sentences :
   
   1. Reading is a good hobby.
   2. I enjoy cooking.


3. Participle
   Read these sentences :
   
   1. The crying baby woke up everyday.
   2. I need some cheese for my toasted bread.

In these sentences, the verbs crying and toasted are formed by adding -ing and -ed to cry and toast respectively. They function as adjectives in these sentences. They cannot stand on their own as the main verb and are also a type of non-finite verbs.