Discuss finite and non-finite verbs with examples.

Answer 1

Finite verbs are verbs that carry tense and are used to indicate a specific time frame such as past, present, or future. They agree with the subject in terms of number and person. They can stand alone as the main verb in a sentence and can express a complete thought.

Examples of finite verbs:
1. I walk to school every day. (present tense)
2. She danced at the party last night. (past tense)
3. They will arrive late tomorrow. (future tense)
4. He works hard. (present tense, third person)

On the other hand, non-finite verbs do not carry tense and cannot function as the main verb in a sentence. They do not show agreement with the subject and cannot express a complete thought. Non-finite verbs consist of infinitives, gerunds, and participles.

Examples of non-finite verbs:
1. To walk is good for your health. (infinitive)
2. I enjoy dancing in my free time. (gerund)
3. The book is written by a renowned author. (past participle)
4. She needs to be motivated to perform well. (infinitive)

In these examples, the finite verbs (walk, danced, will arrive, works) express a specific time frame and complete a thought, while the non-finite verbs (to walk, dancing, written, to be motivated) do not convey tense and cannot stand alone as the main verb.