Page 1 - LESSON NOTES Finite and Non Finite Verbs Cl-7

SAI International School

Subject-English

Class-VII

Chapter: On the Grasshopper and Cricket
Topic: Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

LESSON NOTES

What are Finite and Non-Finite Verbs in English Grammar?
Verbs are words that express actions, events, or states of being. Every verb in a sentence is
either finite or non-finite. Understanding the difference between them helps us improve
our grammar, especially in writing and sentence construction.

Finite Verbs

A finite verb changes its form according to the subject and the tense. It shows time (past,
present, or future) and agrees with the subject in number and person.
Examples:
• She writes beautifully.
• They play football on Sundays.
• He was singing a song.

Notice how the verb changes according to the subject (she/he/they) and the tense
(present/past).
Rules:
• Finite verbs must agree with the subject.
• They are essential for the main clause in a sentence.
• Every complete sentence has at least one finite verb.

Non-Finite Verbs

A non-finite verb does not change according to the subject or tense. It remains the same
regardless of the subject or time. These include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
1. Infinitives (to + base form of the verb)
• I like to read.
• She wants to dance.
2. Gerunds (verb + ing used as a noun)
• Swimming is a good exercise.
• Reading helps improve vocabulary.
3. Participles (used as adjectives or to form verb tenses)
• The crying baby was hungry. (present participle)
• The broken window was repaired. (past participle)

SIS/CLASS-VII/ENGLISH/LESSON NOTES/CH-ON THE GRASSHOPPER AND CRICKET/ TOPIC FINITE AND
NON-FINITE VERBS