Examples of Non-finite Verbs

Every verb is considered to be either Finite or Non-finite, just as they can be either Regular or Irregular or Transitive or Intransitive.


A non-finite verb is one that cannot stand alone on its own without the help of other verbs. Verbs considered non-finite are:



-ing verbs


-ing verbs are verbs pertaining to actions with -ing in the end. They are mostly used with other verbs such as linking verbs to be grammatically correct. Some of them function as nouns, by which they are called gerunds.


examples:


eating

grinding

playing

singing

dancing

breaking

slicing

writing

hearing

listening

talking

clapping

walking

jumping

running




auxiliary verbs


There are only 13 auxiliary verbs falling under two types: Modal Auxiliary Verbs and Semi-modal Auxiliary Verbs


a. Modal Auxiliary Verbs

  • can

  • could

  • may

  • might

  • will

  • would

  • shall 

  • should

  • must



b. Semi-modal Auxiliary Verbs

  • dare

  • need

  • used to

  • ought to




participles


Participles are verbs derived from both regular and irregular verbs, formed to function in a different way.


There are two forms of participles: present participle and past participle

Learn more about regular and irregular verbs.




infinitives


Infinitives are action verbs paired with the word "to". They are often used with the help of other verbs such as action verbs to portray a complete thought of predicate.


examples:


to cry

to listen

to eat

to drink

to study

to hear

to create

to form

to tell

to watch



in a sentence:


"You need to watch the movie."


need = auxiliary verb

to watch = infinitive



"She has to tell him what happened."


has (in present participle) = action verb/stative verb/modal verb (varies on the meaning portrayed)

to tell = infinitive

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