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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
๐ Non‑Finite Verbs – Quick Summary:
Non‑finite verbs do not change according to tense, person, or number. The three types are: Gerunds (verb‑ing acting as a noun, e.g., Swimming is fun), Infinitives (to + base verb, e.g., I want to play), and Participles (present: verb‑ing; past: verb‑ed/en, acting as adjectives or in perfect/continuous forms).
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Identify the non‑finite verb in each sentence and state its type (gerund, infinitive, or participle). Then click “Show Answer” for the correct answer and a clear explanation.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Identify the non‑finite verb in each sentence and state its type (gerund, infinitive, or participle). Then click “Show Answer” for the correct answer and a clear explanation.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Non‑finite verbs add flexibility and depth to sentences. For more on verb structures, visit the
Verbs and Tenses hub.
To master sentence agreement, try the
Subject‑Verb Agreement worksheet.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Study these to understand gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
Solved Q.1
"I enjoy reading books." What type of non‑finite verb is 'reading'?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: 'Reading' is the object of the verb 'enjoy'. It functions as a noun. A verb‑ing form acting as a noun is a gerund.
Example: Swimming is good exercise.
Explanation: 'Reading' is the object of the verb 'enjoy'. It functions as a noun. A verb‑ing form acting as a noun is a gerund.
Example: Swimming is good exercise.
Solved Q.2
"She wants to become a doctor." Type of non‑finite verb?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To become' is the infinitive form (to + base verb). It acts as the object of the verb 'wants'.
Example: He decided to leave early.
Explanation: 'To become' is the infinitive form (to + base verb). It acts as the object of the verb 'wants'.
Example: He decided to leave early.
Solved Q.3
"The broken window was replaced." What type is 'broken'?
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: 'Broken' describes the window (acts as an adjective). It is the past participle of 'break'.
Example: The tired traveller rested.
Explanation: 'Broken' describes the window (acts as an adjective). It is the past participle of 'break'.
Example: The tired traveller rested.
Solved Q.4
"A rolling stone gathers no moss." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: 'Rolling' describes the stone (adjective). Present participles end in -ing and act as adjectives or in continuous tenses.
Example: The crying baby was hungry.
Explanation: 'Rolling' describes the stone (adjective). Present participles end in -ing and act as adjectives or in continuous tenses.
Example: The crying baby was hungry.
Solved Q.5
"To err is human." Type of non‑finite verb?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To err' acts as the subject of the sentence. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Example: To forgive is divine.
Explanation: 'To err' acts as the subject of the sentence. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Example: To forgive is divine.
Solved Q.6
"I am looking forward to meeting you." Type of 'meeting'?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: 'Meeting' is the object of the preposition 'to'. After 'look forward to', we use a gerund.
Example: She is used to waking up early.
Explanation: 'Meeting' is the object of the preposition 'to'. After 'look forward to', we use a gerund.
Example: She is used to waking up early.
Solved Q.7
"He was the first to arrive." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To arrive' modifies 'the first'. It acts as an adjective describing 'he'.
Example: She had no one to help her.
Explanation: 'To arrive' modifies 'the first'. It acts as an adjective describing 'he'.
Example: She had no one to help her.
Solved Q.8
"The frightened child clung to her mother." Type of 'frightened'?
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: 'Frightened' is an adjective describing the child. Past participles often describe states.
Example: The excited crowd cheered.
Explanation: 'Frightened' is an adjective describing the child. Past participles often describe states.
Example: The excited crowd cheered.
Solved Q.9
"Walking in the morning is healthy." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: 'Walking' is the subject of the sentence. It functions as a noun.
Example: Jogging is my hobby.
Explanation: 'Walking' is the subject of the sentence. It functions as a noun.
Example: Jogging is my hobby.
Solved Q.10
"She studies hard to pass the exam." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To pass' expresses purpose (why she studies). Infinitives can act as adverbs.
Example: He saved money to buy a car.
Explanation: 'To pass' expresses purpose (why she studies). Infinitives can act as adverbs.
Example: He saved money to buy a car.
Solved Q.11
"I heard a knocking sound." Type of 'knocking'?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: 'Knocking' acts as an adjective modifying 'sound'.
Example: The running water was cold.
Explanation: 'Knocking' acts as an adjective modifying 'sound'.
Example: The running water was cold.
Solved Q.12
"He admitted stealing the money." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: 'Stealing' is the direct object of the verb 'admitted'.
Example: She enjoys painting.
Explanation: 'Stealing' is the direct object of the verb 'admitted'.
Example: She enjoys painting.
Solved Q.13
"The abandoned house looked scary." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: 'Abandoned' describes the house. It functions as an adjective.
Example: The hidden treasure was found.
Explanation: 'Abandoned' describes the house. It functions as an adjective.
Example: The hidden treasure was found.
Solved Q.14
"I want you to listen carefully." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To listen' is the object complement. Infinitive with its own subject 'you'.
Example: She asked him to leave.
Explanation: 'To listen' is the object complement. Infinitive with its own subject 'you'.
Example: She asked him to leave.
Solved Q.15
"Having finished his work, he went home." Type of 'having finished'?
Show Answer
Answer: Perfect Participle
Explanation: 'Having finished' shows an action completed before another past action. It's a participle phrase.
Example: Having eaten dinner, she went to sleep.
Explanation: 'Having finished' shows an action completed before another past action. It's a participle phrase.
Example: Having eaten dinner, she went to sleep.
Solved Q.16
"His hobby is collecting stamps." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: 'Collecting' is a gerund acting as the subject complement (renames the subject 'hobby').
Example: Her passion is dancing.
Explanation: 'Collecting' is a gerund acting as the subject complement (renames the subject 'hobby').
Example: Her passion is dancing.
Solved Q.17
"He stood waiting for the bus." Type of 'waiting'?
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: 'Waiting' describes what he was doing while standing. It acts as an adverb modifying 'stood'.
Example: She sat reading a book.
Explanation: 'Waiting' describes what he was doing while standing. It acts as an adverb modifying 'stood'.
Example: She sat reading a book.
Solved Q.18
"It is easy to criticize others." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To criticize' is the real subject, delayed by 'it'. "To criticize others is easy."
Example: It is nice to meet you.
Explanation: 'To criticize' is the real subject, delayed by 'it'. "To criticize others is easy."
Example: It is nice to meet you.
Solved Q.19
"The written exam was tough." Type of 'written'?
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: 'Written' is an adjective modifying 'exam'.
Example: The spoken word is powerful.
Explanation: 'Written' is an adjective modifying 'exam'.
Example: The spoken word is powerful.
Solved Q.20
"She insisted on paying the bill." Type?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: 'Paying' is the object of the preposition 'on'.
Example: He is good at drawing.
Explanation: 'Paying' is the object of the preposition 'on'.
Example: He is good at drawing.
Hindi also uses non‑finite forms like เคงाเคคु เคฐूเคช. Explore at the
Kriya (Verb) Hub.
For another advanced topic, try the
Phrasal Verbs worksheet.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Identify the non‑finite verb and its type in each sentence.
Practice Q.1
"I hope to see you soon."
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: 'To see' is the object of 'hope'.
Example: We decided to go out.
Explanation: 'To see' is the object of 'hope'.
Example: We decided to go out.
Practice Q.2
"Swimming is her favourite activity."
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: Subject of the sentence.
Example: Dancing keeps her fit.
Explanation: Subject of the sentence.
Example: Dancing keeps her fit.
Practice Q.3
"The damaged car was towed away."
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: Adjective modifying 'car'.
Example: The broken vase lay on the floor.
Explanation: Adjective modifying 'car'.
Example: The broken vase lay on the floor.
Practice Q.4
"He has a burning desire to succeed."
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: Adjective modifying 'desire'.
Example: The blazing sun was harsh.
Explanation: Adjective modifying 'desire'.
Example: The blazing sun was harsh.
Practice Q.5
"She left without saying goodbye."
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: Object of preposition 'without'.
Example: He left without paying.
Explanation: Object of preposition 'without'.
Example: He left without paying.
Practice Q.6
"I need to buy some groceries."
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: Object of 'need'.
Example: She wants to learn French.
Explanation: Object of 'need'.
Example: She wants to learn French.
Practice Q.7
"The lost puppy was found."
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: Adjective describing 'puppy'.
Example: The hidden key was under the mat.
Explanation: Adjective describing 'puppy'.
Example: The hidden key was under the mat.
Practice Q.8
"Running late, she rushed to the station."
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: 'Running late' describes 'she'. Participle phrase.
Example: Feeling tired, he went to bed.
Explanation: 'Running late' describes 'she'. Participle phrase.
Example: Feeling tired, he went to bed.
Practice Q.9
"His aim is to win the championship."
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: Subject complement.
Example: My goal is to help others.
Explanation: Subject complement.
Example: My goal is to help others.
Practice Q.10
"I heard him singing a song."
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: Part of the object complement describing 'him' in action.
Example: We watched them playing.
Explanation: Part of the object complement describing 'him' in action.
Example: We watched them playing.
Practice Q.11
"To travel the world is her dream."
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive
Explanation: Subject of the sentence.
Example: To forgive takes courage.
Explanation: Subject of the sentence.
Example: To forgive takes courage.
Practice Q.12
"He avoided answering my question."
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: Object of 'avoided'.
Example: She denied stealing.
Explanation: Object of 'avoided'.
Example: She denied stealing.
Practice Q.13
"The frozen lake looked beautiful."
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: Adjective.
Example: The closed door wouldn't open.
Explanation: Adjective.
Example: The closed door wouldn't open.
Practice Q.14
"Having read the book, she wrote a review."
Show Answer
Answer: Perfect Participle
Explanation: Shows action completed before writing.
Example: Having slept well, I felt refreshed.
Explanation: Shows action completed before writing.
Example: Having slept well, I felt refreshed.
Practice Q.15
"She is good at painting."
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund
Explanation: Object of preposition 'at'.
Example: He is interested in learning.
Explanation: Object of preposition 'at'.
Example: He is interested in learning.
Practice Q.16
"The teacher made us rewrite the essay."
Show Answer
Answer: Bare Infinitive
Explanation: After 'make', we use the infinitive without 'to'.
Example: Let me go.
Explanation: After 'make', we use the infinitive without 'to'.
Example: Let me go.
Practice Q.17
"The rising sun is a beautiful sight."
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle
Explanation: Adjective.
Example: The setting sun painted the sky orange.
Explanation: Adjective.
Example: The setting sun painted the sky orange.
Practice Q.18
"I would rather stay at home."
Show Answer
Answer: Bare Infinitive
Explanation: After 'would rather', base form without 'to'.
Example: She would rather eat out.
Explanation: After 'would rather', base form without 'to'.
Example: She would rather eat out.
Practice Q.19
"The shocked audience remained silent."
Show Answer
Answer: Past Participle
Explanation: Adjective describing 'audience'.
Example: The surprised look on his face.
Explanation: Adjective describing 'audience'.
Example: The surprised look on his face.
Practice Q.20
"He went to the library to study."
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive (of purpose)
Explanation: Explains why he went.
Example: She called to invite me.
Explanation: Explains why he went.
Example: She called to invite me.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
Test your deeper understanding of non‑finite verbs.
Challenge Q.1
"I remember to lock the door." vs "I remember locking the door." Difference?
Show Answer
Answer: 'Remember to lock' = don't forget to do it (future action). 'Remember locking' = recall the past action of locking.
Example: I remembered to call her. / I remember calling her yesterday.
Example: I remembered to call her. / I remember calling her yesterday.
Challenge Q.2
"I saw him cross the road." vs "I saw him crossing the road."
Show Answer
Answer: 'Cross' (bare infinitive) = saw the complete action from start to finish. 'Crossing' (present participle) = saw the action in progress, not necessarily complete.
Example: I watched her dance (whole dance). / I watched her dancing (part of it).
Example: I watched her dance (whole dance). / I watched her dancing (part of it).
Challenge Q.3
"He is used to drive on the left." Correct the sentence.
Show Answer
Answer: "He is used to driving on the left."
Explanation: 'Be used to' is followed by a gerund, not infinitive. ('Used to' for past habit takes base verb: He used to drive.)
Example: She is used to working late.
Explanation: 'Be used to' is followed by a gerund, not infinitive. ('Used to' for past habit takes base verb: He used to drive.)
Example: She is used to working late.
Challenge Q.4
"Having been warned about the storm, they stayed indoors." What kind of phrase?
Show Answer
Answer: Perfect Participle (Passive)
Explanation: 'Having been warned' is a perfect passive participle phrase showing the reason.
Example: Having been told the news, she called home.
Explanation: 'Having been warned' is a perfect passive participle phrase showing the reason.
Example: Having been told the news, she called home.
Challenge Q.5
"She was the first woman to climb the mountain." What is the function of the infinitive?
Show Answer
Answer: Adjective modifying 'woman'.
Explanation: Infinitives often follow superlatives and words like 'first', 'last', 'only' to describe.
Example: He is the best player to watch.
Explanation: Infinitives often follow superlatives and words like 'first', 'last', 'only' to describe.
Example: He is the best player to watch.
Challenge Q.6
"I stopped smoking." vs "I stopped to smoke." Difference?
Show Answer
Answer: 'Stopped smoking' = quit the habit (gerund). 'Stopped to smoke' = paused another activity in order to smoke (infinitive of purpose).
Example: He stopped talking. / He stopped to talk to a friend.
Example: He stopped talking. / He stopped to talk to a friend.
Challenge Q.7
"The proposal needs discussing." What form is 'discussing' and why?
Show Answer
Answer: Gerund (passive meaning)
Explanation: After 'need', a gerund has a passive sense: "needs to be discussed".
Example: The car needs washing. (= needs to be washed)
Explanation: After 'need', a gerund has a passive sense: "needs to be discussed".
Example: The car needs washing. (= needs to be washed)
Challenge Q.8
"Not knowing what to do, I called my mother." Identify the non‑finite form and its function.
Show Answer
Answer: Present Participle (Negative)
Explanation: 'Not knowing' is a participle phrase showing reason/cause.
Example: Not feeling well, she stayed home.
Explanation: 'Not knowing' is a participle phrase showing reason/cause.
Example: Not feeling well, she stayed home.
Challenge Q.9
"He is too tired to walk any further." Function of 'to walk'?
Show Answer
Answer: Infinitive (adverb of result)
Explanation: 'Too + adjective + to-infinitive' expresses an excessive degree that prevents something.
Example: The box is too heavy to lift.
Explanation: 'Too + adjective + to-infinitive' expresses an excessive degree that prevents something.
Example: The box is too heavy to lift.
Challenge Q.10
"Walking through the park, the flowers looked beautiful." Is this sentence correct?
Show Answer
Answer: No, it's a dangling participle.
Explanation: 'Walking' should refer to the subject 'I', but the subject is 'flowers'. Correct: "Walking through the park, I saw beautiful flowers."
Example: Driving home, the rain started. (Incorrect) → Driving home, I got caught in the rain. (Correct)
Explanation: 'Walking' should refer to the subject 'I', but the subject is 'flowers'. Correct: "Walking through the park, I saw beautiful flowers."
Example: Driving home, the rain started. (Incorrect) → Driving home, I got caught in the rain. (Correct)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ 1
What is a non‑finite verb?
Show Answer
Answer: A verb that does not show tense, person, or number. It cannot be the main verb of a sentence alone. Types: gerund, infinitive, participle.
FAQ 2
How to distinguish a gerund from a present participle?
Show Answer
Answer: A gerund acts as a noun (subject/object): "Swimming is fun." A present participle acts as an adjective or part of continuous tense: "A swimming pool." / "She is swimming."
FAQ 3
When do we use the bare infinitive (without 'to')?
Show Answer
Answer: After modal verbs (can, must), after 'make' and 'let' (She made me cry), after 'would rather' and 'had better', and after 'see/hear/watch' + object (I saw him leave).
FAQ 4
What is a perfect participle?
Show Answer
Answer: 'Having + past participle' shows an action completed before another action. E.g., "Having finished her work, she went home."
FAQ 5
What is a dangling participle?
Show Answer
Answer: When a participle phrase does not clearly and logically refer to the subject of the main clause. E.g., "Walking home, the rain started." (Correct: "Walking home, I got wet.")
