Infinitive Gerund and Participle: Non-finite Verbs for Class 8

Learn about non-finite verbs—infinitive, gerund, and participle—with this easy guide for Class 8 and ESL learners. Explore their forms, functions, and examples important in English grammar. Includes worksheets for practice!

Verbs are also categorized into two groups:- finite and non-finite. 

Basic difference between finite and non-finite verbs

There are three types of non-finite verbs:

1. Infinitive
2. Gerund
3. Participle

Infinitive

Form

The infinitive is the base form of a verb, preceded by to.

Infinitive structure: to + verb (base form)

For example,

• I want to meet him.
• She likes to sing.
• We have to go now.

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The infinitive is used without to after certain verbs such as feel, hear, help, let, make, see, and watch. Such a construction is called a bare infinitive.

For example,

• Let the boy speak.
• They watched the snake climb the wall.
• We heard her sing.
• Help me open the bottle.

After modal auxiliaries such as must, shall, will, should, would, may, could, need and dare, the infinitive is used without to. 

For example,

• You shall speak now.
• I must speak now.
• You need not go.
• He dare not refuse.

The infinitive is used without to after some prepositions such as except, but, save, and than. 

For example,

• The maid can do all the household chores but cook.
• The baby did nothing except cry.

Function

The infinitive can act as the subject to a verb, the direct object to a transitive verb, the complement to a verb, and the object of a preposition. 

For example,

• To act is not the same thing as to react. (subject of the verb is)
• Jacob loves to sleep. (direct object of the transitive verb loves)
• The alien appears to understand us. (subject complement of the verb appears)
• She saw him cry. (object complement of the verb saw)
• It is about to rain. (object of the preposition about)
• I have no choice but to leave. (object of the conjunction but = except)

Gerund

Form

The gerund is the ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.

Gerund structure:  Verb(Base form) + ing (used as a noun)

For example,

• I enjoy sailing.
• Swimming is a healthy exercise.
• I love acting.

Function

A gerund always functions as a noun in a sentence. As such, it can be the subject to a verb, the direct object to a verb, a complement to a verb, or the object of a preposition.

For example,

• Skiing brings me pleasure. (subject to the verb brings)
• I love skiing. (direct object to the verb love)
• My passion is skiing. (subject complement to the verb is)
• I dream of skiing. (object to the preposition of)

Comparison between the Infinitive and the Gerund

Both the infinitive and the gerund can function as nouns in a sentence. They are often interchangeable when they act as the subject or direct object of a verb. 

For example,

• To win is everything.
• Winning is everything.
• I love to win.
• I love winning.

Both infinitive and gerund can act as both the subject and the object or the complement to a verb in the same sentence. 

For example,

• Breathing means living.
• To breathe means to live.

Sometimes, even though either infinitive or gerund can be used in a sentence, the meaning will slightly change. 

For example,

• I forgot to buy fruits. (= I didn’t buy fruits.)
• I forgot buying fruits. (I forgot that I had bought fruits.)

Participles

A participle is a word formed from a verb which can be used as an adjective.

There are three types of participles-present participle (ending in ing), the past participle (usually ending in ed, d, t, en, or n), and perfect participle (having + past participle).

The Present Participle

Form

The present participle is the ing form of the verb, which is used in the formation of all continuous and perfect continuous tenses. It can also be used as an adjective. 

For example,

• Barking dogs seldom bite. (adjective)
• The dog was barking, (present continuous)

Function

1. The present participle is used to form the continuous tense forms. 

For example,

• Karan is participating in a debate competition.
• They are playing hockey.
• We have been waiting for him for two hours.

2. The present participle can be used as an adjective.

For example,

• This is an interesting book.
• I do not like screaming babies.
• The company is doing a booming business.

3. The present participle can be used as the subject or object complement of a verb.

For example,

• This chapter is interesting. (subject complement to the verb is]
• I can almost hear you laughing. (object complement to the verb hear)

4. The present participle is used in participial phrases to show a succession of events.

For example,

• Removing his coat, Mithun jumped into the river.

Note: A participial phrase consists of a participle, modifiers, and complements. When a sentence begins with a participial phrase, a comma should be placed after the phrase.

5. The participial phrases are used to show cause and effect. 

For example,

• Feeling tired, I went to sleep early.
• Being a gym instructor, Vikas knows all the exercises that help to stay fit.

6. The participial phrases are used in place of relative clauses. 

For example,

• Who’s the girl talking to your brother?

Comparison between the Gerund and the Present Participle

Although the two are exactly alike in form, the gerund acts like a noun, while the present participle acts like an adjective. The following two similar-looking sentences bring out the differences between the two-

• I saw him swimming. (‘swimming’ as a present participle-adjective complement, qualifying the pronoun ‘him’)
• I love swimming. (swimming’ as a gerund object to the verb ‘love’)

The Past Participle

Here are some example sentences which use the past participle.

Form

Past Participle structure: Main verb + ed,/d,/t,/en,/n

• A broken jug lay on the ground.
• The teacher looks preoccupied.

Function

The functions of the past participle are similar to those of the present participle.

1. It is primarily used as an adjective to a noun, attributively. 

For example,

• They had difficulty identifying the drowned man.
• Interested applicants may apply.

2. It can be used as the subject or the object complement of a verb. 

For example,

• I want the work done now. (object complement to the verb want)
• This candidate seems interested. (subject complement to the verb seems)

Note the complete change in meaning if the corresponding present participle is substituted for the past participle in the second sentence

• This candidate seems interesting.

The difference lies in the difference between the adjectives interesting and interested.

Again, it is very useful when talking about the first of the two events which are described in a sentence in passive voice. 

For example,

• Angered/Being angered by her rude words, he walked away. (= because he was angered)
• Disappointed/Being disappointed that he hadn’t understood her intention, she too walked away. (= because she was disappointed)

In this case, the first event is invariably the cause of the second one.

The Perfect Participle

The perfect participle is a combination of the present participle (having) and the past participle. 

Structure of Prefect Participle: Having + past participle

For example,

• Having scanned the question paper, Anita answered the questions.

Having been + the past participle is used in the sentences for the action which had been completed before the next action started. Please note that such expressions are in the passive voice. 

For example,

• Having been disqualified twice, he dropped the idea of becoming a doctor. (= Because he had been disqualified twice, he dropped the idea of becoming a doctor.)

Infinitive Gerund and Participle: Non-finite Verbs Worksheet

Learn about non-finite verbs with this worksheet for ESL and Class 8 students, featuring examples, explanations, and practice activities.

Worksheet 1

A. Determine whether the ing forms of the verbs in these sentences are gerunds (G) or participles (P).

1. The drowning man is still trying to swim. (G/P)

2. Will you be going rafting when you visit Rishikesh? (G/P)

3. I love reading and swimming. (G/P)

4. Growing interest rates can result in the number of loans falling. (G/P)

5. Spending time with one’s family is very relaxing. (G/P)

6. Let’s go fishing this weekend. (G/P)

7. Crying helps us release stress, sometimes. (G/P)

8. Seeing the heaving crocodile snapping its jaws at him, the man started

screaming. (G/P)

9. Sheltering thieving juveniles causes harm to one and all. (G/P)

Worksheet 2

B. Determine whether the infinitive in these sentences is a noun or an adjective. Then, determine its corresponding function in the sentence, i.e., what type of noun it acts as or which noun it qualifies.

1. The baby wants to talk.

2. To give generously is the best thing one can do.

3. I need something to eat right now.

4. I must eat something right now.

5. I want to speak the truth without worrying about the consequences.

6. He was supposed to shoot the ball to the right of the goalkeeper.

7. To travel to the corners of the world has been my dream.

8. Rashid wanted to shout out a warning to the man but he had already moved out of sight.

9. Some people today exercise to stay healthy.

Worksheet 3

C. Underline the past participles in these sentences and determine how they are used in the sentence. Do examine the sentences for other non-finites as well.

1. The lost jewels have been found.

2. Saddened by the news, he became quiet.

3. He got the room dusted and sprayed.

4. I am tired of cleaning your torn and dirty jeans.

5. Was the leader praised for his speech?

6. He appeared exhausted after the strenuous exercise.

7. The sharpened blade gleamed in the fading sunlight.

8. The people started going home when they saw the setting sun.

9. Having delivered the message, the annoyed man banged the door shut.

10. We bought a packet of frozen peas that had to be thawed.

Worksheet 4 

D. Read what these people are saying. Identify the highlighted verbs as finite or non-finite.

1. That’s interesting! I am Ayesha and I love listening to music.

2. I’m Tasha. You will find me blogging most of the time!

3. Hi! I am Girish. Painting is my hobby.

4. Dino here Playing cricket is what I love most.

5. Hey, call me Tanu. I enjoy taking care of animals.

Infinitive Gerund and Participle Worksheet Answers

Find detailed answers to the worksheet on non-finite verbs—infinitive, gerund, and participle—explained clearly for ESL and Class 8 learners.

Answer 1

1. The drowning man is still trying to swim. (P)

2. Will you be going rafting when you visit Rishikesh? (G)

3. I love reading and swimming. (G, G)

4. Growing interest rates can result in the number of loans falling. (P)

5. Spending time with one’s family is very relaxing. (G)

6. Let’s go fishing this weekend. (G)

7. Crying helps us release stress, sometimes. (G)

8. Seeing the heaving crocodile snapping its jaws at him, the man started screaming. (P)

9. Sheltering thieving juveniles causes harm to one and all. (G)

Answer 2

1. The baby wants to talk.

• Infinitive: to talk
• Type: Noun (Object of the verb “wants”)

2. To give generously is the best thing one can do.

• Infinitive: to give
• Type: Noun (Subject of the sentence)

3. I need something to eat right now.

• Infinitive: to eat
• Type: Adjective (Qualifies the noun “something”)

4. I must eat something right now.

• Infinitive: to eat
• Type: Noun (Object of the verb “must eat”)

5. I want to speak the truth without worrying about the consequences.

• Infinitive: to speak
• Type: Noun (Object of the verb “want”)

6. He was supposed to shoot the ball to the right of the goalkeeper.

• Infinitive: to shoot
• Type: Noun (Complement of “supposed”)

7. To travel to the corners of the world has been my dream.

• Infinitive: to travel
• Type: Noun (Subject of the sentence)

8. Rashid wanted to shout out a warning to the man but he had already moved out of sight.

• Infinitive: to shout
• Type: Noun (Object of the verb “wanted”)

9. Some people today exercise to stay healthy.

• Infinitive: to stay
• Type: Adjective (Explains the reason for “exercise”)

Answer 3

1. The lost jewels have been found.

• Past participles: lost, found
• Uses:
  • lost: Adjective (modifies “jewels”)
  • found: Part of the verb phrase “have been found” (passive voice)

2. Saddened by the news, he became quiet.

• Past participle: Saddened
• Use: Adjective (modifies “he”)

3. He got the room dusted and sprayed.

• Past participles: dusted, sprayed
• Uses: Complements of the causative verb “got”

4. I am tired of cleaning your torn and dirty jeans.

• Past participle: torn
• Use: Adjective (modifies “jeans”)
• Other non-finite: cleaning (gerund, object of the preposition “of”)

5. Was the leader praised for his speech?

• Past participle: praised
• Use: Part of the verb phrase “was praised” (passive voice)

6. He appeared exhausted after the strenuous exercise.

• Past participle: exhausted
• Use: Adjective (complement of the verb “appeared”)

7. The sharpened blade gleamed in the fading sunlight.

• Past participle: sharpened
• Use: Adjective (modifies “blade”)
• Other non-finite: fading (participle, modifies “sunlight”)

8. The people started going home when they saw the setting sun.

• Past participle: setting
• Use: Present participle (modifies “sun”)

9. Having delivered the message, the annoyed man banged the door shut.

• Past participles: delivered, annoyed
• Uses:
  • delivered: Part of the perfect participle phrase “having delivered” (modifies “man”)
  • annoyed: Adjective (modifies “man”)
• Other non-finite: Having delivered (perfect participle phrase)

10. We bought a packet of frozen peas that had to be thawed.

• Past participles: frozen, thawed
• Uses:
  • frozen: Adjective (modifies “peas”)
  • thawed: Part of the infinitive phrase “to be thawed” (modifies “peas”)
• Other non-finite: to be thawed (infinitive phrase)

Answer 4

1. That’s interesting! I am Ayesha and I love listening to music.

• Highlighted verbs:
• am (finite)
• love (finite)
• listening (non-finite, gerund)

2. I’m Tasha. You will find me blogging most of the time!

• Highlighted verbs:
• am (finite)
• will find (finite)
• blogging (non-finite, participle)

3. Hi! I am Girish. Painting is my hobby.

• Highlighted verbs:
• am (finite)
• is (finite)
• Painting (non-finite, gerund, subject of “is”)

4. Dino here. Playing cricket is what I love most.

• Highlighted verbs:
• Playing (non-finite, gerund, subject of “is”)
• is (finite)
• love (finite)

5. Hey, call me Tanu. I enjoy taking care of animals.

• Highlighted verbs:
• call (finite)
• enjoy (finite)
• taking (non-finite, gerund, object of “enjoy”)

FAQs on Infinitive Gerund and Participle: Non-finite Verbs

1. What is an example of a gerund, infinitive, and participle?

Ans: Gerund: Swimming is my favorite hobby. (Used as a noun)

Infinitive: I want to swim. (Used as a noun, verb, or adjective)

Participle: The broken vase was on the floor. (Used as an adjective)

2. What is an example of a gerund non-finite verb?

Ans: Reading books is fun. (Here, reading is a non-finite verb acting as a noun.)

3. What is infinitive and non-finite verb?

Ans: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by “to,” such as ‘to read’, ‘to write’, or ‘to play’. It does not change according to the number, person, and tense. Examples include infinitives, gerunds, and participles. They are often used with finite verbs to form verb phrases.

4. What are 10 examples of non-finite verbs?

• to eat (infinitive)
• reading (gerund)
• to run (infinitive)
• swimming (gerund)
• writing (gerund)
• to play (infinitive)
• dancing (gerund)
• played (participle)
• to go (infinitive)
• broken (participle)

5. What are 10 infinitives examples?

• to eat
• to run
• to play
• to see
• to write
• to sing
• to dance
• to read
• to speak
• to sleep

6. What is a participle non-finite verb?

Ans: A participle is a word formed with ‘verb + ing’ and works as an adjective. It doesn’t indicate tense by itself. Examples include broken, dancing, and running.

Example: The dancing children enjoyed the music. (Dancing is a present participle, a non-finite verb.)

7. What is a gerund in grammar?

Ans: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.

Example: Laughing is good for health. (Laughing  is the gerund form of the verb “Laugh” acting as the subject.)

8. What are participle examples?

Present participle: singing, dancing, running

Past participle: broken, eaten, written

Example in sentences:

The dancing children were joyful. (Present participle)

The broken vase was on the table. (Past participle)

9. What is an example of a non-finite participle clause?

Non-finite participle clause: ‘Having finished my homework‘, I slept.

Here, ‘having finished’ is a non-finite verb phrase (a past participle clause) that provides additional information about the subject “I.”