Finite Verbs & Non-finite Verbs: 60 + Example Sentences

Today, we are going to check out examples of finite verbs, along with non-finite verbs with example sentences. Finite verbs show tense, number, and person (e.g., “runs,” “ate”). Non-finite verbs don’t change with the subject or tense (e.g., “running,” “to eat”). Finite verbs are the main verbs in sentences, while non-finite verbs often add extra meaning.

Finite Verbs

Finite verbs are an essential part of English grammar. These verbs are the backbone of any sentence as they indicate tense, person, and number. Without them, sentences would lack clarity and meaning. In this article, we will explore finite verbs, provide examples, and differentiate them from non-finite verbs to improve your understanding of sentence construction. Knowing how to use them correctly is fundamental to building well-structured, coherent sentences. Whether you’re writing or speaking, understanding the differences will allow you to express ideas more clearly.

Finite Verb Examples

Finite verbs change according to the subject and the tense of the sentence. They tell you what action is happening and when. Here are some examples of finite verb examples in sentences:

Lucy works hard every day.
They played soccer in the park yesterday.
I read the book last night.
Liam sings beautifully at every performance.
We went to the market this morning.
The dog runs fast in the yard.
She will call me later.
They are studying for the exam.
Mr. Clark teaches math every day.
He has finished his work already.

Each of these sentences contains a verb that is specific to the subject and the tense of the action. For example, in sentence 1, “works” is a finite verb because it is in the present tense and refers to the third-person singular subject “she.”

Finite verb list

Here is a table showing some common finite verbs:

Finite verb list	Sentences with finite verbs
Works	She works at the hospital.
Played	They played the game yesterday.
Runs	The dog runs in the park.
Sings	He sings in the choir every Sunday.
Went	I went to the store this morning.
Will go	She will go to the concert tomorrow.
Ate	We ate pizza for dinner last night.
Is working	He is working on a new project.
Has seen	She has seen that movie before.
Was running	He was running late this morning.

These verbs show how the subject and tense affect the form of the verb.

Non-Finite Verbs

In contrast, non-finite verbs do not change according to the subject, tense, or number. They do not carry a tense and are typically used in conjunction with finite verbs to create more complex sentence structures. They are crucial in forming various verb constructions such as infinitives, gerunds, and participles. Let’s look at some examples to understand this better.

There are three main types of non-finite verb:

Infinitives (e.g., to run, to be)
Gerunds (e.g., running, being)
Participles (e.g., running, seen)

These verbs are typically used with finite verbs to form verb phrases. Non-finite verbs allow for flexibility in how actions and ideas are communicated. They make sentences more varied and nuanced, enabling speakers and writers to express a wider range of ideas and intentions.

Non finite verb list

Here is a table showing some common non-finite verbs:

Verb Type	Example Verb	Non finite verb examples (Sentences)
Infinitive	To go	She wants to go to the movies tonight.
Infinitive	To read	I like to read books in the evening.
Gerund	Running	Running is good for your health.
Gerund	Swimming	He enjoys swimming in the pool.
Participle	Running	The running water was very cold.
Participle	Written	The written instructions are clear.
Gerund	Being	Being honest is important in any situation.
Infinitive	To learn	She hopes to learn a new language.
Participle	Seen	I have never seen a movie like that before.
Gerund	Singing	Singing makes her feel happy.

These help expand the meaning of the sentence but do not change form based on the subject or tense. They are used to provide more detail or to describe actions in a broader, more general sense.

Non-Finite Verb Examples

Here are some examples of non-finite verbs used in sentences:

I love to swim every morning.
He is thinking about going to the concert.
She enjoys playing the piano.
They are considering moving to another city.
He was found running in the park.
We saw her dancing at the party.
He decided to leave early.
The manager is planning to speak at the conference.
She admitted being late to the meeting.
The children started playing after school.

Finite Verbs vs Non-Finite Verbs

Understanding the difference between them is important for improving our English grammar. While finite ones express actions in specific tenses that change with the subject, non-finite ones remain unchanged regardless of the subject and tense. Here’s a quick comparison:

Finite Verb	Non-Finite Verb	Example
Changes with subject and tense	Does not change with subject or tense	She works every day (finite verb: works)
Used to indicate action in a specific time frame	Used to form verb phrases and add additional meaning	He likes to play soccer (non-finite verb: to play)
Examples: works, played, is, will go	Examples: to go, going, played, running	She is interested in swimming (non-finite verb: swimming)

This table helps illustrate the key differences between the two types of verbs. Finite verbs are essential for conveying when and who is performing an action, while non-finite verbs help to provide more information, such as actions that are planned, ongoing, or hypothetical.

Finite verb phrases

Here are some sentences that use finite verbs along with common phrases, including phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs that have a unique meaning. Practice these phrases to improve your conversation skills.

I wake up early every day.
She looks after her younger brother.
They ran into an old friend at the mall.
He gives up easily when things get tough.
We hang out at the park on weekends.
I’m looking forward to the weekend.
She takes care of her pets.
They picked up the groceries this morning.
I’m trying to catch up with my work.
He checks in at the hotel later today.

These sentences use a mix of regular verbs and phrasal verbs to help you practice and expand your vocabulary!

Non finite verb phrases

Here are some sentences with non-finite verb phrases. These phrases use infinitives, gerunds, and participles to form complete ideas. Practice using these phrases to make your speech and writing more varied and natural.

I love to play soccer.
She’s thinking about going on vacation.
He enjoys listening to music in the morning.
They want to start their own business.
I’m planning to visit my family soon.
She’s interested in learning a new language.
He promised to help with the project.
We’re excited about traveling this summer.
She hates waiting in long lines.
They decided to move to a new city.

These non-finite verb phrases can help you express ideas more naturally and fluently in English. Practice using them to improve your conversation skills!

Understanding the Role of Finite Verbs

Finite verbs are crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. They are tied to the subject of the sentence and indicate tense, number, and person. On the other hand, non-finite verbs provide additional meaning but do not change based on the subject or tense. By understanding the differences and uses of both types of verbs, you can improve your English skills and build more complex and varied sentences. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or analyzing texts, the correct use of these types will help you communicate more effectively.