Non-Finite Verbs Exercise with Answers: Gerunds, Infinitives, and Participles Explained

Non-finite verbs play a key role in English grammar. Unlike finite verbs, they do not change based on tense, person, or number. Understanding their correct usage helps improve sentence formation and overall writing skills. This guide on non-finite verb exercises with answers will help you practice and understand their usage better.

Table of Contents

• What is a Non-Finite Verb?
• Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
• Exercise 2: Identify the Non-Finite Verb
• Exercise 3: Join or Rewrite the Sentences

What is a Non-Finite Verb?

A non-finite verb is a verb that does not show tense or agreement with the subject. It cannot act as the main verb in a sentence. Unlike finite verbs, non-finite verbs do not change according to the subject of the sentence and cannot stand alone as the main verb of a clause.

Types of Non-Finite Verbs:

• Infinitive

• Gerund

• Participle

Examples:

• She likes to read. (Infinitive)

• Swimming is fun. (Gerund)

• The broken chair is useless. (Participle)
  
  

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks using appropriate non-finite verbs.

1. I enjoy ________ (read) books.

2. I found my brother _____________ (drink) water.

3. ________ (walk) in the park is refreshing.

4. He wants ________ (become) a doctor.

5. _____________ (run) water is not always fit for drinking.

6. He avoided __________ (answer) the question. 

7. I can't stand _____________ (listen) to that noise anymore.

8. I am sorry _____________ (hear) this news.

9. She gave an _____________ (amuse) performance.

10. They are interested in _____________ (learn) new languages.

11. She was too tired _____________ (walk) any further.

12. It is his hobby _____________ (collect) old stamps.

13. _____________ (hear) a noise, I turned round.

14. This is a problem __________ (solve) immediately. 

15. It is impossible _____________ (count) all the stars in the sky. 

16. The student looked for a _____________ (tear) page of his book.

17. Reading is fun; _____________ (write) takes practice.

18. The ability _____________ (laugh) is peculiar to mankind.

19. Children love _____________ (make) mud houses.

20. __________ (finish) his work, he went home.

Answers:

1. reading

2. drinking

3. Walking

4. to become

5. Running

6. answering 

7. listening

8. to hear

9. amusing

10. learning

11. to walk

12. to collect

13. Hearing

14. to be solved

15. to count

16. torn

17. writing

18. to laugh

19. making

20. Having finished 
    
    

Exercise 2: Identify the Non-Finite Verb

Read the following sentences carefully and identify the non-finite verbs:

1. She loves dancing in the rain.

2. I have a book to read.

3. The crying baby needs attention.

4. He went to the market to buy fruit.

5. The broken window was repaired.

6. Swimming regularly keeps you fit and healthy.

7. The broken chair was taken away by the workers.

8. She enjoys reading novels in her free time.

9. Hearing a strange sound, he stopped and looked back.

10. We decided to take a different route to avoid traffic.

11. The barking dog woke up the entire neighbourhood.

12. To err is human; to forgive is divine.

13. Fed up with the continuous quarrels, he walked away.

14. I can't imagine living without music.

15. The teacher told us to submit the assignment by Monday.

16. Running every day builds stamina and discipline.

17. Baked in the oven, the cake smelled absolutely delicious.

18. He hopes to start his own business next year.

19. We saw him playing in the park after school.

20. Smiling broadly, she accepted the award on stage.

Answers: 

1. dancing

2. to read

3. crying

4. to buy

5. broken

6. Swimming

7. broken

8. reading

9. Hearing

10. to take, to avoid

11. barking

12. to err, to forgive

13. Fed

14. living

15. to submit

16. Running

17. Baked

18. to start

19. playing

20. Smiling 
    
    

Exercise 3: Join or Rewrite the Sentences

1. He has five children. He must support them.

2. He works hard. He wants to earn his livelihood.

3. She collects old coins, even at great expense. It is her hobby.

4. I have come here. I want to meet you.

5. She studies hard. She wants to pass the examination.

6. He saved money. He wanted to buy a house.

7. We visited the doctor. Our purpose was to get a check-up.

8. They practise every day. Their aim is to win the championship.

9. I enjoy it when he plays the guitar well.

10. She wants him to help her with her homework.

11. They know that she is a good dancer.

12. He admitted that he had stolen the money.

13. We were happy when we heard the good news.

14. The boy was exhausted after the race. He slept soundly.

15. She did not know the way. She asked a passer-by.

 Answers:

1. He has five children to support.

2. He works hard to earn his livelihood.

3. She collects old coins, even at great expense, as a hobby.

4. I have come here to meet you.

5. She studies hard to pass the examination.

6. He saved money to buy a house.

7. We visited the doctor to get a check-up. (or: for a check-up)

8. They practise every day to win the championship.

9. I enjoy listening to him play the guitar.

10. She wants him to help her with her homework.

11. They know her to be a good dancer.

12. He admitted having stolen the money.

13. We were happy to hear the good news.

14. The boy, exhausted after the race, slept soundly.

15. Not knowing the way, she asked a passer-by.