Finite Non-Finite Verb Quiz

In this finite non-finite verb quiz you have to decide whether the verb in capitals is finite or non-finite.

Finite verbs are the main verb or verbs in a sentence, so they have a subject and take a tense (e.g. present simple, past simple, etc). Non-finite verbs are any other verb forms in a sentence, such as -ing forms or infinitives.

Take a look at this finite verb lesson if you are unsure. 

Finite Non-finite Verb Quiz

Instructions

Choose if the verb(s) in capitals is finite or non-finite.

1. She started to CHANGE the way she dressed.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

This is an infinitive verb.

2. I SPOKE to him as soon as possible.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

This verb has a subject and a tense (past tense in this case), so it's a finite verb.

3. I LIKE looking at photographs of scenery.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

This verb is in the present simple and the subject is 'I'.

4. TIRED due to the hot weather, they went home.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

This is a past participle. The only main verb here is 'went'.

5. I MAY HAVE BEEN LIVING there for about two months.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

Though this has other forms apart from the main verb 'have', such as a present participle (living), it is all the present perfect continuous tense, and the auxiliary verb (may) is part of the finite structure.

6. I really hate CLEANING the house.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

This is an -ing form of a verb, or the present participle, which follows the finite verb, 'hate'.

7. With the plan HAVING FAILED, we came up with another option.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

The main verb is 'came' in the past simple, which follows the subject 'we'. The part in capitals is a perfect participle phrase.

8. He GAVE me a really nice present, which I OPENED straight away.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

These are both main verbs in the past simple, both with their own subjects.

9. They were WATCHING me closely.
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

If we took the whole verb phrase 'were watching', it would be finite as it represents the past continuous. However, 'watching' on its own is non-finite as it's an -ing form.

10. AREN’T you a bit late?
Finite.
Non-finite.
Correct!
Wrong!

This is the main verb in the present simple.

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