Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercises: Complete Practice with Answers for Students

Finite and non-finite verbs are classified based on how they function and behave within a sentence. Finite verbs change according to the subject and clearly indicate tense, person, number, and mood, making them essential for forming complete sentences. Non-finite verbs, in contrast, do not show agreement with the subject and appear in forms such as infinitives, present participles, or past participles to serve different grammatical roles. To strengthen your understanding of these verb forms and their correct usage, the exercises given in this article will help you practise and apply the concepts effectively.

Table of Contents

• Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercises with Answers

Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercises with Answers

The exercises given below test your understanding of how finite and non-finite verbs function within sentences. Read each question carefully and apply the appropriate grammatical concept before checking your answers.

Exercise 1 – Identify Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Identify the finite verb and the non-finite verb in each sentence.

1. She hopes to complete the assignment before Monday.

2. Running late, the manager skipped breakfast.

3. They have decided to renovate the house.

4. Watching the sunset, we sat quietly on the beach.

5. The teacher asked the students to revise the lesson.

6. He promised to return the book tomorrow.

7. Feeling unwell, Ananya stayed at home.

8. The children were excited to visit the museum.

9. She kept talking without noticing the time.

10. After finishing the report, he submitted it online.

11. The coach encouraged the team to practise harder.

12. Being careful, she avoided making mistakes.

13. We heard the baby crying in the next room.

14. They continued working despite the power cut.

15. Hoping for a reply, she checked her email repeatedly.

16. The doctor advised him to take rest.

17. Smiling politely, the receptionist greeted the guests.

18. He forgot to lock the door.

19. She watched the birds flying across the sky.

20. Determined to succeed, he worked relentlessly.

Answers 

1. Finite: hopes | Non-finite: to complete

2. Finite: skipped | Non-finite: running

3. Finite: have decided | Non-finite: to renovate

4. Finite: sat | Non-finite: watching

5. Finite: asked | Non-finite: to revise

6. Finite: promised | Non-finite: to return

7. Finite: stayed | Non-finite: feeling

8. Finite: were | Non-finite: to visit

9. Finite: kept | Non-finite: talking

10. Finite: submitted | Non-finite: finishing

11. Finite: encouraged | Non-finite: to practise

12. Finite: avoided | Non-finite: being

13. Finite: heard | Non-finite: crying

14. Finite: continued | Non-finite: working

15. Finite: checked | Non-finite: hoping

16. Finite: advised | Non-finite: to take

17. Finite: greeted | Non-finite: smiling

18. Finite: forgot | Non-finite: to lock

19. Finite: watched | Non-finite: flying

20. Finite: worked | Non-finite: determined

Exercise 2 – Choose the Correct Finite Verb Form

Fill in the blanks with the correct finite form of the verb given in brackets.

1. She _______ (realise) the importance of time management.

2. They _______ (plan) the event carefully.

3. The committee _______ (approve) the proposal yesterday.

4. He _______ (prefer) working late at night.

5. We _______ (notice) a change in his behaviour.

6. The train _______ (arrive) earlier than expected.

7. She _______ (handle) the situation calmly.

8. They _______ (discuss) the issue in detail.

9. The author _______ (publish) a new book last year.

10. My parents _______ (encourage) me to pursue my goals.

11. The team _______ (perform) exceptionally well.

12. He _______ (accept) the responsibility willingly.

13. The teacher _______ (explain) the concept clearly.

14. She _______ (recognise) his efforts.

15. The company _______ (expand) its operations.

16. We _______ (understand) the instructions.

17. He _______ (deliver) the presentation confidently.

18. They _______ (organise) the seminar efficiently.

19. She _______ (believe) in hard work.

20. The judge _______ (announce) the verdict.

Answers

1. realised

2. planned

3. approved

4. prefers

5. noticed

6. arrived

7. handled

8. discussed

9. published

10. encouraged

11. performed

12. accepted

13. explained

14. recognised

15. expanded

16. understood

17. delivered

18. organised

19. believes

20. announced

Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks with Non-Finite Verbs

Use the correct non-finite form of the verb given in brackets.

1. She agreed _______ (help) us with the project.

2. _______ (complete) the task, he left the office.

3. They enjoy _______ (travel) to new places.

4. He was warned _______ (not ignore) the instructions.

5. We are eager _______ (learn) more about the topic.

6. _______ (realise) the mistake, she apologised.

7. The manager asked them _______ (submit) the report.

8. She hopes _______ (achieve) her goals.

9. The child was seen _______ (climb) the tree.

10. _______ (be) honest, he admitted the truth.

11. They decided _______ (postpone) the meeting.

12. He was advised _______ (consult) a specialist.

13. She spent the evening _______ (read).

14. _______ (finish) dinner, they went for a walk.

15. The students were made _______ (rewrite) the test.

16. He struggled _______ (express) his ideas clearly.

17. She looked forward to _______ (meet) her cousins.

18. _______ (follow) the rules, he avoided trouble.

19. The officer allowed them _______ (enter) the hall.

20. He practised _______ (speak) confidently.

Answers

1. to help

2. Having completed

3. travelling

4. not to ignore

5. to learn

6. Realising

7. to submit

8. to achieve

9. climbing

10. Being

11. to postpone

12. to consult

13. reading

14. Having finished

15. to rewrite

16. to express

17. meeting

18. Following

19. to enter

20. speaking

Exercise 4 – Identify the Role of the Non-Finite Verb

State whether the non-finite verb is a gerund, infinitive, or participle.

1. Swimming helps improve stamina.

2. She wants to improve her writing skills.

3. Feeling confident, he accepted the offer.

4. Reading before bed relaxes the mind.

5. They plan to relocate next year.

6. Smiling brightly, she greeted everyone.

7. He enjoys listening to classical music.

8. To succeed requires discipline.

9. The broken window needs repair.

10. Watching movies is his favourite hobby.

11. She hopes to win the competition.

12. Exhausted by work, he fell asleep early.

13. Teaching young children requires patience.

14. He refused to comment on the issue.

15. Running water should not be wasted.

16. She loves painting landscapes.

17. To err is human.

18. Confused by the question, she paused.

19. Writing regularly improves fluency.

20. They agreed to cooperate fully.

Answers

1. Gerund

2. Infinitive

3. Participle

4. Gerund

5. Infinitive

6. Participle

7. Gerund

8. Infinitive

9. Participle

10. Gerund

11. Infinitive

12. Participle

13. Gerund

14. Infinitive

15. Participle

16. Gerund

17. Infinitive

18. Participle

19. Gerund

20. Infinitive

Exercise 5 – Sentence Transformation Using Non-Finite Verbs

Rewrite each sentence using a suitable non-finite verb form.

1. As he was tired, he went to bed early.

2. She completed the work and then submitted it.

3. When they realised the error, they corrected it.

4. He opened the door and welcomed the guests.

5. Because she was curious, she asked questions.

6. After he finished the speech, he thanked everyone.

7. As she was shocked, she remained silent.

8. When the team won the match, they celebrated.

9. Since he was determined, he succeeded.

10. After the rain stopped, we resumed travel.

11. As the child was frightened, he cried.

12. When she saw the result, she smiled.

13. Because he felt guilty, he apologised.

14. After they packed their bags, they left.

15. As she was inspired, she started writing.

16. When he heard the news, he reacted calmly.

17. Since they were prepared, they performed well.

18. After she completed the course, she applied for a job.

19. As he was confident, he spoke clearly.

20. When the bell rang, the students exited.

Answers

1. Being tired, he went to bed early.

2. Completing the work, she submitted it.

3. Realising the error, they corrected it.

4. Opening the door, he welcomed the guests.

5. Being curious, she asked questions.

6. Having finished the speech, he thanked everyone.

7. Being shocked, she remained silent.

8. Winning the match, the team celebrated.

9. Being determined, he succeeded.

10. After stopping, the rain allowed us to resume travel.

11. Being frightened, the child cried.

12. Seeing the result, she smiled.

13. Feeling guilty, he apologised.

14. Packing their bags, they left.

15. Being inspired, she started writing.

16. Hearing the news, he reacted calmly.

17. Being prepared, they performed well.

18. Having completed the course, she applied for a job.

19. Being confident, he spoke clearly.

20. Hearing the bell, the students exited.