Finite and Non-finite Verbs

Finite and Non-finite Verbs
All forms of the verbs, except infinitives and participles (-ing form and -ed form) are called finite verbs. Finite verbs can usually be changed from the present simple tense to the past simple tense or from the past simple tense to the present simple tense.
Examples
. Janet pushed her sister.
. Janet pushes her sister.
Modal auxiliary verbs (shall, will, can, etc.) are always finite. In finite verb phrases, the verb is the first (or only) word after subject, e.g. I am a genuis.
The non-finite forms of the verb are the infinitives to (e.g. move), the -ing participle (moving) and the -ed participle (moved). Non-finite verb phrases consist of one or more of such items.
Finite verbs are usually found in main clauses while non-finite verbs are generally found in subordinate clauses and they do not express tense (or time).
Look at this example:

1. Seeing his father, Tony ran away.
   non-finite verb. finite verb
   More examples:
   Finite verb phrases
2. She reads fast.
3. The man studies hard.
4. After she had travelled to London, she bought many things.
   Non-finite verb phrases
5. To read like that is rewarding.
6. The man’s wife saw him studying hard.
7. After having tavelled to London, she bought many things.

Assignment
State whether each of the underlined verbs below is a finite verb or a non-finite verb.
A.

1. The boy plays football.
2. My mother was cooking at that time.
3. To know God is to like Him.
4. Do not forget to arrive early.
5. The boy had saved his brother before his father arrived.
   B.
   Write five (5) examples each of finite verbs and non finte verbs and make a sentence with each one.