Non-finite verbs are verbs that do not show tense (past, present, future) and do not act as the main verb in a sentence. They cannot be the sole verb in a clause and are not bound by the subject’s number or person.
The Three Types of Non-Finite Verbs
1. The Infinitive
The base form of a verb, often preceded by ‘to’. It can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
- Structure: to + Verb (e.g., to go, to eat, to study)
Types of Infinitives:
- (a) Bare Infinitive (without ‘to’): Used after modal verbs (can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must) and verbs like let, make, hear, see, feel, watch.
- Example: She can speak French. (Modal + Bare Infinitive)
- Example: Let him go. (Let + Object + Bare Infinitive)
- Example: I heard her sing. (Perception Verb + Object + Bare Infinitive)
- (b) To-Infinitive: The standard form.
- As a Noun: To err is human. (Subject of the sentence)
- As an Adjective: This is the best book to read. (Modifies the noun ‘book’)
- As an Adverb: He went to the market to buy fruits. (Shows purpose)
2. The Gerund (-ing form)
A verb form ending in ‘-ing’ that functions as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
- Structure: Verb + ing (e.g., swimming, reading, writing)
Uses of Gerunds:
- As a Subject: Swimming is a good exercise.
- As an Object of a Verb: I enjoy reading mystery novels.
- As an Object of a Preposition: She is fond of dancing.
- After certain verbs like: avoid, enjoy, finish, mind, postpone, suggest, consider, etc.
- Example: He suggested going to a movie.
3. The Participle
A verb form that functions as an adjective. There are two main types:
(a) Present Participle
Ends in ‘-ing’. It describes an action that is ongoing.
- Example (as Adjective): Look at the sleeping baby. (Modifies ‘baby’)
- Example (in Continuous Tenses): She is watching TV. (Part of the main verb)
(b) Past Participle
Usually ends in ‘-ed’, ‘-d’, ‘-t’, ‘-en’, or ‘-n’ for regular verbs. For irregular verbs, it varies (e.g., written, broken, sung).
- Example (as Adjective): Please repair the broken window. (Modifies ‘window’)
- Example (in Perfect Tenses): They have finished their work. (Part of the main verb)
- Example (in Passive Voice): The letter was written by me.
Key Differences & Must-Know Rules for SSC CGL
1. Gerund vs. Present Participle
- Both end in ‘-ing’, but their functions are different.
- Gerund acts as a Noun.
- Present Participle acts as an Adjective or part of a verb tense.
- Example (Gerund): Running is his passion. (Here, ‘Running’ is the subject, hence a Gerund).
- Example (Participle): I saw him running. (Here, ‘running’ describes ‘him’, hence a Participle).
2. Verbs followed by Gerund OR Infinitive (with a change in meaning)
- Remember:
- Remember + Gerund: Recall a past memory. (I remember locking the door. – I have the memory of doing it.)
- Remember + Infinitive: Not forget to do something. (Remember to lock the door. – Don’t forget to do it.)
- Stop:
- Stop + Gerund: Discontinue an activity. (He stopped smoking. – He gave up smoking.)
- Stop + Infinitive: Halt one action to do another. (He stopped to smoke. – He halted his journey for a smoke.)
- Try:
- Try + Gerund: Experiment with a method. (Try adding salt to improve the taste.)
- Try + Infinitive: Make an effort or attempt. (I will try to finish the work on time.)
3. ‘To’ as a Preposition vs. ‘To’ as part of the Infinitive
- If ‘to’ is a preposition, it must be followed by a Gerund (verb+ing) or a noun.
- Common phrases with preposition ‘to’: look forward to, be used to, accustomed to, object to, admit to.
- Example: I am used to waking up early. (NOT
to wake up) - Example: She looks forward to meeting you. (NOT
to meet)
Quick Revision Table
| Type | Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | to + Verb | Noun, Adj, Adv | He wants to leave. |
| Bare Infinitive | Verb (no ‘to’) | After modals, etc. | You must listen. |
| Gerund | Verb + ing | Noun | Smoking is bad. |
| Present Participle | Verb + ing | Adjective | a smiling face |
| Past Participle | Verb + ed/en | Adjective | a broken chair |