Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercises

In the realm of English grammar, understanding the distinction between finite and non-finite verbs is crucial for mastering sentence structure and enhancing communication skills. Finite verbs are those that convey a specific tense, number, and person, allowing them to act as the main verb in a sentence. They provide essential information about when an action occurs and who is performing it. On the other hand, non-finite verbs, which include infinitives, gerunds, and participles, do not indicate tense or agree with the subject. Instead, they serve various functions within a sentence, such as acting as nouns or adjectives. In this blog post, you will find a series of engaging exercises designed to help you practice identifying and using both finite and non-finite verbs effectively. 

Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercise

Here are 5 exercises focused on identifying finite and non-finite verbs. Each exercise includes a sentence where you need to determine whether the verb is finite or non-finite.

Exercise 1: Identify Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Instructions: Read the sentences below and identify whether the underlined verb is finite or non-finite.

1. She wants to go to the movies.
2. Running is my favourite hobby.
3. He has finished his homework.
4. To be or not to be is the question.
5. They enjoy swimming in the summer.

Answers:

1. Finite
2. Non-finite
3. Finite
4. Non-finite
5. Finite

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with Non-Finite Verbs

Instructions: Complete the sentences using an appropriate non-finite verb form (infinitive or gerund).

1. I can’t stand ______ (wait) any longer.
2. She decided ______ (join) the club.
3. He enjoys ______ (play) soccer on weekends.
4. They promised ______ (help) us with the project.
5. I am looking forward to ______ (meet) you.

Answers:

1. Waiting
2. To join
3. Playing
4. To help
5. Meeting

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Verb Form

Instructions: Select the correct form of the verb (finite or non-finite) to complete each sentence.

1. She is planning ______ (go) to college next year.
2. They ______ (be) very happy about their results.
3. I love ______ (read) books in my free time.
4. He seems ______ (be) upset about something.
5. We need ______ (discuss) this matter further.

Answers:

1. To go
2. Are
3. Reading
4. To 
5. To discuss

Exercise 4: Rewrite Sentences Using Non-Finite Verbs

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the finite verbs with appropriate non-finite forms.

1. I like that you sing beautifully.
2. She wants that he help her with her homework.
3. They know that she dances well.
4. He hopes that he will win the game.
5. We believe that she can solve the problem.

Answers:

1. I like singing beautifully.
2. She wants him to help her with her homework.
3. They know her dancing well.
4. He hopes to win the game.
5. We believe her to be able to solve the problem.

Exercise 5: Correct the Mistakes

Instructions: Identify and correct any mistakes related to finite and non-finite verbs in these sentences.

1. She enjoy to dance at parties.
2. I want going to the store later.
3. They has finished their project on time.
4. He is looking forward to meet his friends.
5. We decided going for a hike tomorrow.

Answers:

1. She enjoys dancing at parties.
2. I want to go to the store later.
3. They have finished their project on time.
4. He is looking forward to meeting his friends.
5. We decided to go for a hike tomorrow.

Also Read: Verb Cheat Sheet: Types of Verbs Explained in Detail

Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercise 

Here are five different types of exercises focused on finite and non-finite verbs, along with answers for each exercise.

Exercise 1: Identify Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Instructions: Read the sentences below and identify whether the underlined verb is finite or non-finite.

1. She wants to learn how to swim.
2. Swimming is a great way to stay fit.
3. He has been working here for five years.
4. To travel the world is my dream.
5. They enjoy hiking on weekends.

Answers:

1. Finite
2. Non-finite
3. Finite
4. Non-finite
5. Finite

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with Non-Finite Verbs

Instructions: Complete the sentences using an appropriate non-finite verb form (infinitive or gerund).

1. I can’t wait ______ (see) you again.
2. She loves ______ (dance) at parties.
3. He plans ______ (start) his own business next year.
4. They are interested in ______ (learn) new languages.
5. I forgot ______ (call) her yesterday.

Answers:

1. To see
2. Dancing
3. To start
4. Learning
5. To call

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Verb Form

Instructions: Select the correct form of the verb (finite or non-finite) to complete each sentence.

1. She is excited ______ (go) on vacation next week.
2. They ______ (be) very supportive during tough times.
3. I enjoy ______ (cook) for my family.
4. He seems ______ (be) happy with his new job.
5. We decided ______ (take) a break from work.

Answers:

1. To go
2. Are
3. Cooking
4. To be
5. To take

Exercise 4: Rewrite Sentences Using Non-Finite Verbs

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the finite verbs with appropriate non-finite forms.

1. I like that you sing beautifully.
2. She wants that he help her with her homework.
3. They know that she dances well.
4. He hopes that he will win the game
5. We believe that she can solve the problem.

Answers: 

1. I like singing beautifully.
2. She wants him to help her with her homework.
3. They know her dancing well.
4. He hopes to win the game.
5. We believe her to be able to solve the problem.

Exercise 5: Identifying Finite and Non-finite Verbs

Instructions: Read the sentences below and underline the finite verbs and circle the non-finite verbs.

1. She loves to dance at the parties.
2. Running is his favourite hobby.
3. They finished writing the report.
4. The dog barked loudly.
5. To learn new things is important.
6. He has been studying all night.

Answers:

1. Finite: loves | Non-finite: to dance
2. Finite: is | Non-finite: Running
3. Finite: finished | Non-finite: writing
4. Finite: barked | Non-finite: none
5. Finite: is | Non-finite: To learn
6. Finite: has been | Non-finite: studying.

Also Read: Adverb and Verb: Meaning, Types, Differences with Examples

Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercise 

Here are five more exercises focusing on finite and non-finite verbs:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (finite or non-finite).

1. She _____ (to enjoy) reading novels in her free time.
2. After _____ (to eat), they went for a walk.
3. The teacher _____ (to give) homework every week.
4. I can’t stand _____ (to listen) to that song anymore.
5. He _____ (to run) every morning before breakfast.
6. _____ (to travel) is exciting and fun.

Answers:

1. Enjoys
2. Eating
3. Gives
4. Listening
5. Runs
6. Travelling

Exercise 2: Convert the Sentences

Instructions: Convert the finite verbs in the following sentences to their non-finite form

1. They want to swim in the lake.
2. I am reading a great book.
3. She walked to the store.
4. We saw him playing in the park.
5. He has finished his homework.
6. They are happy to help you.

Answers:

1. They want swimming in the lake.
2. I am reading a great book.
3. She enjoys walking to the store.
4. We saw him play in the park.
5. He has finished doing his homework.
6. They are happy to help you.

Exercise 3: Match the Following

Instructions: Match the finite verbs on the left with their non-finite forms on the right.

A. Write            1. Swimming

B. To sing         2. Written

C. To play         3. Playing

D. Watch          4. Watched

E. Read            5. Reading  

Answers:

1. A. Write            – 2. Written
2. B. To sing         – 3. Playing
3. C. To play         – 1. Swimming
4. D. Watch          – 4. Watched
5. E. Read            – 5. Reading  

Exercise 4: Creating Sentences

Instructions: Create a sentence using both a finite and a non-finite verb.

1. Reading
2. Play
3. Travel

Possible Answers:

1. She enjoys reading books in her spare time.
2. To play soccer is his dream, and he practices daily.
3. They decided to travel to Europe for their vacation.

Exercise 5: Analysis

Instructions: Analyze the following sentences and identify the finite and non-finite verbs. Explain their functions in the sentence.

1. The teacher asked the students to submit their assignments.
2. We enjoyed hiking in the mountains last summer.
3. To be successful requires hard work and dedication.

Answers:

1. Function: “asked” shows the action by the teacher (finite), while “to submit” indicates the intention or task related to the students (non-finite). Finite: enjoyed | Non-finite: hiking  
2. Function: “enjoyed” describes the subject’s experience (finite), while “hiking” specifies the activity that was enjoyed (non-finite).Finite: requires | Non-finite: To be  
3. Function: “requires” refers to a necessity (finite), while “To be” explains what is needed for success (non-finite).

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