Nonfinite Verbs

Definition

Nonfinite verbs are verb forms that do not indicate tense, mood, or subject agreement. They include infinitives, gerunds, and participles, serving various functions in sentences without acting as the main verb. These forms allow for flexibility in sentence structure and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, enriching the language by adding layers of meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nonfinite verbs do not change form based on the subject or tense, which distinguishes them from finite verbs.
2. Infinitives can be used to express purpose or intention, such as in 'I want to study.'
3. Gerunds can take direct objects and can be modified by adjectives, for example, 'running fast is fun.'
4. Participles can be used in participial phrases that add detail to a sentence, like 'The girl running down the street is my sister.'
5. Nonfinite verbs are essential for constructing complex sentences and varying sentence structure to avoid monotony.

Review Questions

• How do nonfinite verbs differ from finite verbs in terms of grammatical function?
  • Nonfinite verbs differ from finite verbs primarily because they do not indicate tense or agree with the subject. While finite verbs change form to reflect the tense and number of the subject, nonfinite verbs remain constant and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. This flexibility allows nonfinite verbs to serve various roles within a sentence without being tied to specific subjects or tenses.
• Discuss the different types of nonfinite verbs and provide examples of how they function in sentences.
  • There are three main types of nonfinite verbs: infinitives, gerunds, and participles. Infinitives often express purpose or intention, like in 'to run is my goal.' Gerunds function as nouns, for instance, 'Swimming is fun.' Participles act as adjectives, as seen in 'The broken vase was on the table.' Each type adds depth to sentences by providing additional information about actions or states without limiting themselves to specific subjects.
• Evaluate the impact of using nonfinite verbs on sentence structure and overall writing style.
  • Using nonfinite verbs significantly enhances sentence structure and writing style by allowing for more complex and varied constructions. They enable writers to combine ideas more fluidly and avoid repetitive sentence patterns. For example, incorporating gerunds or infinitives allows for smoother transitions between thoughts. This versatility helps create engaging narratives or arguments by enriching the text with detail and nuance while maintaining clarity.

Related terms

Infinitive:

The base form of a verb often preceded by 'to,' which can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.

Gerund:

A verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun in a sentence.

Participle:

A verb form that can function as an adjective or be used to form verb tenses, typically ending in '-ing' (present participle) or '-ed' (past participle).