Question

rules of Non finites ?

Answer 1

Non-finite verbs are of three types:

Infinitives: It can be regarded as the most basic or rudimentary form of the given verb. It may be a noun, an adverb or an adjective. There are two kinds of infinitives-the bare infinitive and the full infinitive.The bare infinitive does not use the word ‘to’ but uses the base form of the verb.
For example,Help me catch this fish.You had better finish your work by then.

The way to identify the full infinitive is that the base form of the verb is preceded by the word ‘to’.
For example,

I am determined to lose weight before Sheila’s wedding.One must take examinations seriously to excel in the academic field.

Infinitives used as nouns:

To swim in the Olympics is my dream. (used as a subject)I want to write a novel. (used as an object)

Infinitives used as adjectives/adverbs:

She is the designer to watch. (used as an adjective, modifying the noun ‘designer’)Alia went to the UK to study. (used as an adverb)Gerunds: Gerunds are those non-finite verbs which are actually modifications of the verb as a noun.

The trick to identifying a gerund is that the verb form generally ends with an ‘ing’.

For example,

Smoking is injurious to health and causes cancer.Playing a sport is essential for all-round development.Participles: Participles are those non-finite verbs which are modifications of the verb in such a way that they become adjectives, that is, they describe another word in the given sentence.

The tip to identify a participle is that the verb usually ends in ‘ing’ or ‘ed’. The ‘ing’ form is usually the present participle form (e.g. blowing, singing, weaving etc.). The ‘ed’ form is usually the past participle form (e.g. written, disbanded, coded etc.). The first is used when the describing word is an action that is still taking place whereas the latter is used when the describing word is an action that took place in the past but its effects are still present.

For example,

The mangled pair of sunglasses were kept on the table. (past participle used as an adjective to describe a pair of sunglasses)The galloping ponies came to a halt in front of the stables. (present participle used as an adjective to describe the ponies)

Difference between the use of an infinitive and gerund:

There is often some confusion between the usage of an infinitive and a gerund. It is very difficult to determine when to use which type of verb and to indicate what. The following pointers reveal the difference between the respective usage of both:

A gerund is used to indicate an action that has happened in the past or one that is happening at the present.

For example,

I like riding the bicycle.

I denied accepting the proposal.
A gerund is also used after prepositions.

For example,

I aim at becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

I always go for a walk after eating dinner.
Certain expressions too are mostly followed by a gerund.

For example,

There is no point in complaining about the state of affairs.

I can’t help expressing my sorrow and remorse.

An infinitive is used to indicate an action that is bound to or expected to happen in the future.

For example,

I want to eat ice-cream after dinner.

I have to visit my uncle in Canada.
An infinitive is also used after participles like:

I was pleased to hear about Reema’s appraisal.

I am disappointed to learn about your undisciplined behaviour.
Infinitives are also used in conjunction in sentences containing the word ‘too’

For example,

The lake is too deep to swim.

The boy is too young to participate in the competition.