VERBS

Lexical

Auxiliary

Finite

Non-finite

Primary

Modal

A lexical verb tells us what the action or the state of the subject is. The finite forms of a verb are the forms where the verb shows tense, person or singular plural. Verbs which have the imperative, the past or the present form are called FINITE verbs I go, she goes, he went - These verb forms are finite. To go, going - These verb forms are non-finite. The non-finite forms of a verb have no tense, person or singular plural. The infinitive and present (ing) and past participles (-ed) are the non-finite parts of a verb; To do; doing; done This means that verbs with tense are finite, and verbs without tense are nonfinite. The distinction between finite and nonfinite verbs is a very important one in grammar, since it affects how verbs behave in sentences. Here are some examples of each type:

Tense David plays the piano My sister spoke French on holiday It took courage to continue after the accident Leaving home can be very traumatic Leave immediately when you are asked to do so

Finite or Nonfinite? Present Past Finite Finite

NONE -- the verb has the infinitive Nonfinite form NONE -- the verb has the -ing form NONE -- the verb has the -ed form Nonfinite Nonfinite

In each of the following sentences, indicate whether the underline verb is finite or nonfinite. 1. Paul runs to work every day. 2. I didnt mean to step on your foot. 3. We expect to get a loan from the bank. 4. Mary admitted lying about her age. 5. Come here at once! 6. He left the party feeling ill. 7. They have run away together . 8. Tim gave Paul a menacing look. 9. Viewed from the distance, it resembled a cloud. 10. I would like to know the answer. 11. The girl sitting there has gone. 12. He must be very careless. 13. Katie was watching TV when the phone rang. 14. I avoid eating chocolate. 15. Turning the corner, I saw a tile fall off the roof. 16. He decided to go. 17. He regretted going to the interview in shorts. 18. We found him smoking behind the shed. 19. Having finished their work, they left