A non-finite verb is a verb that does not function as the predicate verb in a clause. While some non-finite verbs take the form of past or present participles, they are generally not inflected—that is, they don’t have mood, tense, number, aspect, gender, or person.
The opposite of a non-finite verb is a finite verb, which does serve as a predicate verb—for example, the verbs in She walks, He sings, and I went.
There are three main types of non-finite verbs: gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
Gerunds
A gerund is an -ing verb that functions as a noun—for example:
Are you into reading?
Sailing is my favorite sport.
When the same words are used as adjectives, they are participles.
Infinitives
Infinitives are non-inflected verbs that are often preceded by to. They may function as adverbs:
I struggle to understand.
They may function as nouns:
To read is good for the mind.
And they may function as adjectives:
I don’t have time to eat.
Participles
Participles are -ed and -ing verbs that function as adjectives—for example:
The sleeping cat is brown.
The freshly picked tomatoes look delicious.
I am going to the store.
The kids were dropped off at school.
Non-finite clauses
A non-finite clause is a dependent clause whose main verb is non-finite. It may function as a noun, adjective, or adverb:
Your calling me was very considerate.
The firetruck, blaring its siren, sped down the road.
We wanted to bring you a present.
