A Comprehensive Guide to English Grammar: Non-finite Verb

I. Introduction

In English grammar, verbs play a crucial role in constructing sentences and expressing actions, states, or events. While finite verbs are conjugated to show tense, person, and number, non-finite verbs do not have these inflections. Non-finite verbs are essential for adding variety and complexity to sentence structures. They come in three main forms: infinitives, gerunds, and participles. This guide will provide a detailed exploration of non-finite verbs, including their forms, functions, and usage in different contexts.

II. The Three Forms of Non-finite Verbs

A. Infinitives

1. Form
   • The infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the particle “to.” For example, “to run,” “to eat,” “to sleep.” However, the infinitive without “to” (bare infinitive) is used after certain verbs like “let,” “make,” and “help” in some contexts. For example, “Let him go.”
2. Functions
   • Subject: An infinitive can function as the subject of a sentence. For example, “To err is human.” Here, “to err” is the subject of the sentence, and the verb “is” agrees with it.
   • Object: It can also act as the object of a verb. For instance, “She wants to learn French.” In this case, “to learn French” is the object of the verb “wants.”
   • Complement: Infinitives can be used as complements to describe or complete the meaning of other verbs, adjectives, or nouns. For example, “It is important to be honest.” Here, “to be honest” complements the adjective “important.”

B. Gerunds

1. Form
   • A gerund is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. For example, “running,” “eating,” “sleeping.” Gerunds function as nouns in a sentence.
2. Functions
   • Subject: Gerunds can be the subject of a sentence. For example, “Running is good for health.” Here, “running” is the subject, and the verb “is” agrees with it.
   • Object: They can also be the object of a verb. For instance, “She enjoys reading books.” In this sentence, “reading books” is the object of the verb “enjoys.”
   • Object of a Preposition: Gerunds can follow prepositions. For example, “He is interested in painting.” Here, “painting” is the object of the preposition “in.”

C. Participles

1. Present Participles
   • Form: Present participles are formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb, like gerunds. For example, “running,” “smiling.” However, their function is different from gerunds.
   • Function: Present participles are used to form continuous tenses (e.g., “She is running”) and can also function as adjectives to describe nouns. For example, “a running stream” where “running” describes the stream.
2. Past Participles
   • Form: The form of past participles varies depending on the verb. Regular verbs form the past participle by adding -ed, -d, or -t to the base form (e.g., “played,” “liked,” “bent”). Irregular verbs have unique past participle forms (e.g., “gone” for “go,” “eaten” for “eat”).
   • Function: Past participles are used to form perfect tenses (e.g., “She has eaten”) and can also function as adjectives. For example, “a broken window” where “broken” describes the window.

III. Usage of Non-finite Verbs in Different Contexts

A. After Certain Verbs

1. Verbs Followed by Infinitives
   • Some verbs are commonly followed by infinitives. These include “want,” “hope,” “plan,” “decide,” “agree,” etc. For example, “He hopes to visit Paris next year.”
2. Verbs Followed by Gerunds
   • Verbs like “enjoy,” “finish,” “avoid,” “mind,” “practice” are usually followed by gerunds. For instance, “She enjoys dancing.”
3. Verbs Followed by Either Infinitives or Gerunds with a Change in Meaning
   • Some verbs can be followed by either infinitives or gerunds, but the meaning changes. For example, “remember”:
     • “I remember to post the letter” (means you haven’t posted it yet but you will remember to do it).
     • “I remember posting the letter” (means you have already posted the letter and you recall the action).

B. In Phrasal Verbs and Idiomatic Expressions

1. Phrasal Verbs with Non-finite Verbs
   • Many phrasal verbs use non-finite verbs. For example, “look forward to” is always followed by a gerund. “She is looking forward to meeting her friends.”
2. Idiomatic Expressions
   • Idiomatic expressions often contain non-finite verbs. For instance, “It’s no use crying over spilt milk” where “crying” is a gerund in the idiomatic expression.

C. In Reduced Relative Clauses

1. Using Present Participles
   • Present participles can be used to reduce relative clauses when the relative pronoun and the auxiliary verb “be” are omitted. For example, “The man who is sitting there is my father” can be reduced to “The man sitting there is my father.”
2. Using Past Participles
   • Past participles can be used to reduce relative clauses when the relative pronoun and a form of the auxiliary verb “be” or a passive verb are omitted. For example, “The book which was written by him is very popular” can be reduced to “The book written by him is very popular.”

IV. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A. Confusing Infinitives and Gerunds

• One common mistake is using the wrong form after certain verbs. To avoid this, learn the verbs that are typically followed by infinitives or gerunds and practice using them correctly. For example, don’t say “I enjoy to swim” (incorrect); instead, say “I enjoy swimming” (correct).

B. Incorrect Use of Participles

• Sometimes, people may use present participles instead of past participles or vice versa. Make sure to understand the difference in their meanings and functions. For example, “a boiling water” (incorrect) should be “boiling water” (when the water is actively boiling) or “boiled water” (when the water has been boiled and is no longer boiling).

V. Conclusion

Non-finite verbs are an important aspect of English grammar that add flexibility and richness to sentence construction. Understanding the forms and functions of infinitives, gerunds, and participles, as well as their usage in different contexts, is essential for effective communication in English. By practicing and being aware of common mistakes, you can master the use of non-finite verbs and enhance your writing and speaking skills.