Finite Non Finite Verb Exercise Guide with Examples, Rules & Practice

When learning English grammar, verbs play one of the most important roles in forming correct sentences. Among them, understanding the difference between finite non finite verb exercise is crucial for mastering sentence structure, improving communication, and excelling in exams.

What are Finite Verbs?

A finite verb is a verb that shows tense, number, and person. It functions as the main verb in a sentence.

Examples of Finite Verbs

• She runs every morning.
• They are playing football.
• He went to the store.

What are Non Finite Verbs?

A non finite verb does not show tense or subject agreement. It remains the same no matter what the subject is. Non finite verbs include:

1. Infinitives (to eat, to run, to write)
2. Gerunds (eating, running, writing)
3. Participles (eaten, running, written)

Examples of Non Finite Verbs

• She likes to dance. (infinitive)
• Swimming is healthy. (gerund)
• The book was written by Shakespeare. (participle)

Read Also: Split Infinitives in English

Key Differences Between Finite and Non Finite Verbs (Comparison Table)

Feature	Finite Verb	Non-Finite Verb
Shows tense	Yes	No
Changes with subject	Yes	No
Acts as main verb	Yes	No
Types	Main verb, auxiliary verb	Infinitive, gerund, participle
Example	He eats an apple.	He likes to eat an apple.

Types of Non Finite Verbs

1. Infinitives → “to + base verb” (to read, to dance).
2. Gerunds → “verb + ing” functioning as a noun.
3. Participles → verb forms used as adjectives.

Finite Non Finite Verb Exercise (With Answers)

Exercise 1: Identify Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Underline the finite verb and circle the non-finite verb.

1. She loves to sing in the shower.
2. They enjoy swimming in the sea.
3. He decided to go home.
4. Running is a good exercise.
5. The teacher gave homework to complete.

Answers:

1. loves (finite), to sing (non-finite)
2. enjoy (finite), swimming (non-finite)
3. decided (finite), to go (non-finite)
4. Running (non-finite), is (finite)
5. gave (finite), complete (non-finite)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete with the correct finite or non-finite form.

1. She enjoys ______ (dance).
2. They ______ (go) to the park yesterday.
3. He is looking forward to ______ (meet) you.
4. We ______ (finish) the project on time.
5. To ______ (travel) the world is my dream.

Answers:

1. dancing
2. went
3. meeting
4. finished
5. travel

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

1. She enjoy to dance at parties.
2. He want going to school.
3. They has finished homework.

Corrected:

1. She enjoys dancing at parties.
2. He wants to go to school.
3. They have finished homework.

Exercise 4: Rewrite Sentences

Rewrite using non-finite verbs.

1. I like that he sings. → I like singing.
2. She wants that he helps. → She wants him to help.

Read More:  Difference Between Affect and Effect

Exercise 5: Match the Following

Finite Verb	Non-Finite Form
Write	Written
To play	Playing
Watch	Watched
Read	Reading

Conclusion:

The finite non finite verb exercise is more than just a grammar drill it’s a way to understand how English sentences work. By practicing with infinitives, gerunds, and participles, and comparing them with finite verbs, learners can write more accurate sentences and communicate effectively.

Keep practicing the exercises, use the examples as reference, and you’ll soon master one of the most essential parts of English grammar.

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