Learn about verbs that don't show tense - gerunds, infinitives, and participles. Perfect for Class 8-12 students. Master non-finite verbs with clear rules and examples.
1. What are Non-finite Verbs?
Non-finite verbs are verb forms that don't show tense, person, or number. They cannot be the main verb in a sentence.
| Type | Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gerund | Verb + ing | Acts as a noun | Swimming is fun. |
| Infinitive | to + base verb | Acts as noun/adj/adv | I like to swim. |
| Participle | Verb + ing/ed/en | Acts as adjective | The swimming boy is happy. |
| Key Point: Non-finite verbs need helping verbs or other verbs to complete their meaning | |||
2. Gerunds (Verb + ing as Nouns)
Gerunds look like present participles but function as nouns. They can be subjects, objects, or complements.
| Function | Example | Explanation | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Swimming keeps you fit. | Gerund is the doer | Replace with "It" |
| Object of Verb | I enjoy swimming. | After certain verbs | What do I enjoy? |
| Object of Preposition | I'm good at swimming. | After prepositions | At what? |
| Complement | My hobby is swimming. | After "be" verbs | Hobby = swimming |
Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds:
enjoy, avoid, finish, mind, practice, consider, suggest, miss, delay, risk
Example: I enjoy reading. She avoids eating junk food.
3. Infinitives (to + Base Verb)
Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. They often show purpose or intention.
| Function | Example | Explanation | Question to Ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun (Subject) | To err is human. | Infinitive as subject | What is human? |
| Noun (Object) | I want to learn. | After certain verbs | What do I want? |
| Adjective | I have work to do. | Modifies noun | What kind of work? |
| Adverb | She came to help. | Shows purpose | Why did she come? |
Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives:
want, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, refuse, seem, appear, manage
Example: I want to go. She decided to study.
4. Participles (Verb Forms as Adjectives)
| Type | Form | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present Participle | Verb + ing | Active meaning (doing) | The crying baby A burning house |
| Past Participle (Regular) | Verb + ed | Passive meaning (done to) | The broken window A closed door |
| Past Participle (Irregular) | Various forms | Passive meaning | written work spoken words |
| Perfect Participle | having + past participle | Completed action | Having finished his work, he left. |
5. Gerund vs Infinitive - When to Use Which?
| Situation | Use Gerund | Use Infinitive | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Prepositions | ✓ Always | ✗ Never | I'm interested in learning. (not to learn) |
| As Subject | ✓ Common | ✓ Formal | Swimming is fun. / To swim is fun. |
| After Certain Verbs | enjoy, avoid, finish | want, hope, decide | I enjoy reading. I want to read. |
| After Adjectives | ✗ Rare | ✓ Common | I'm happy to help. (not helping) |
| After "too" and "enough" | ✗ Never | ✓ Always | It's too late to go. She's old enough to drive. |
6. Participle Phrases (Reduced Clauses)
| Full Sentence | Participle Phrase | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| The boy who is crying needs help. | The crying boy needs help. | Present Participle | Active, happening now |
| The window that was broken needs repair. | The broken window needs repair. | Past Participle | Passive, completed |
| After he finished his work, he went home. | Having finished his work, he went home. | Perfect Participle | Sequence of actions |
| Because she was tired, she slept early. | Being tired, she slept early. | Present Participle | Reason/cause |
7. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| I'm looking forward to meet you. | I'm looking forward to meeting you. | After "to" as preposition → gerund |
| She avoids to eat junk food. | She avoids eating junk food. | "Avoid" takes gerund, not infinitive |
| The tiring workers took a break. | The tired workers took a break. | -ing = causes tiredness, -ed = feels tired |
| I want going home. | I want to go home. | "Want" takes infinitive, not gerund |
| He is too young driving. | He is too young to drive. | After "too" → infinitive |
| The book laying on the table is mine. | The book lying on the table is mine. | lie (recline) → lying, lay (put) → laying |
🧩 Non-finite Verb Challenge
Identify the non-finite verbs in these sentences:
1. Running daily improves health.
Non-finite verb: Running (Gerund)
2. She wants to become a scientist.
Non-finite verb: to become (Infinitive)
3. The sleeping baby looks peaceful.
Non-finite verb: sleeping (Present Participle)
4. Having completed the task, he relaxed.
Non-finite verb: Having completed (Perfect Participle)
Select the blank areas to see answers
9. Memory Aids & Tips
Gerund vs Infinitive Trick:
GERUND: General activities, real experiences
INFINITIVE: Specific plans, future intentions, purposes
Example: I like swimming. (general) vs I'd like to swim today. (specific)
-ing vs -ed Adjectives:
-ing: Causes the feeling (boring, interesting, tiring)
-ed: Experiences the feeling (bored, interested, tired)
The book is interesting. (causes interest) vs I am interested. (feel interest)
Verb Lists to Remember:
GERUND Verbs: Enjoy, avoid, finish, mind, practice (EAFMP)
INFINITIVE Verbs: Want, hope, plan, decide, promise (WHPD+P)
BOTH: Like, love, hate, begin, start, continue
Exam Tip:
1. Look for "to" → Is it preposition or infinitive marker?
2. Check verb patterns (gerund/infinitive after specific verbs)
3. -ing words → Noun (gerund) or Adjective (participle)?
4. Reduced clauses often use participles
5. Remember common mistakes (look forward to + gerund)
📝 Practice Non-finite Verbs
Test with our 25-question worksheet on gerunds, infinitives, and participles!
Download Non-finite Verbs WorksheetIncludes answer key • All types • Common patterns • Printable PDF
