Use of Non-Finites - Part - 1

Non-Finites:- Non-Finites are a kind of verb that do not completely act as a verb. Non-Finites have no subject, no modals and no tense. They have no effect of number of subject or person.

Non-Finites are of three types:-

1. The Infinitive
2. The Gerund
3. The Participle

1. THE INFINITIVE

The infinitive acts as a noun, as an adjective or as an adverb in a sentence. It is written by adding a ‘to’ with the Ist form of Verb. For example: to + verb (to learn, to teach, to work etc.). Here are some sentences to give you a better idea of infinitive:-

1. To dance is a good hobby.
2. It is time to take exercise.
3. He fights to win.

Let us analyze these sentences:-

1. In the first sentence, to dance is the subject of sentence. Therefore, here it is acting as a noun.
2. In the second sentence, to take is used after the noun ‘time’ ands adds to its meaning. Therefore, here it is acting as an adjective.
3. In the third sentence, to win is used after the verb ‘fight’ and adds modification. Therefore, here it is acting as an adverb.

In the next part you will learn different types of the infinitive...