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Non-Finites (Infinitives)


Non-Finites

When a verb is used as per the number and person of the subject, that verb is called a finite verb.
Eg.
We speak English.
He speaks English.
When a verb doesn’t change according to the number and the person of the subject, it is called non-finite verb.
Non-finite verbs are classified into three types:
  1. Infinitive
  2. Gerund
  3. Participle
A.      Infinitive
Every verb has a base form or root form.
Walk-walks, walking, walked
Be-being, been, am is are, was were
Have-have, has, had
The infinitive is the base or root form of the verb.
The infinitive is also called as to-verb. It can be written with or without to.
Eg.
I like to write novels. (to+verb)
He likes to collect stamps. (to+verb)
Jagjt can sing gajhals beautifully. (infinitive without to)
My teacher made me do the assignments. (infinitive without to)
Infinitive without to is used
A)  after all the modals.
Eg. I can help you.
B)   After some verbs like- bid, hear, help, make, see, watch, let, etc.
Eg. The teacher made him stand.
I made the child recite the poem three times.
You needn’t wait for others.
The to+verb infinitive is used after these verbs-hope, wish, offer, refuse, promise, help, want, forget, afford, prepare, fail, agree, decide, manage, plan, threaten, learn, expect, etc.
Eg. The principal decided to postpone the meeting.
I will manage to surprise everyone.

Q: Fill in the blank with the correct form of infinitive.
(enter, speak, work, go, carry, stand)
1)    You need to ________much harder if you want to achieve success.
2)   Snacks will be served during the break. You need not ____ your lunch with you.
3)   A stranger tried to ___ the shop.
4)   The teacher made the child ____ on the bench for two periods.
5)   Neeraj learnts____ Japanese before going to Tokyo.
6)   The workers threatened _____ on a strike.

Q: Rewrite using infinitive form of the underlined part
  1. I just wanted to do anything so that we could win the game. (rewrite using a ‘to’-phrase in place of the underlined part)


  1. I am scared of telling my parents about the incident.


  1. Open schools and monasteries for the people so that they can live in peace and knowledge.

  1. Parents can invest Rs. 200 and plant a sapling representing the child’s birth star. (Rewrite using infinitive form of the underlined wordX)


Q: Combine together the following pairs of sentences by using Infinitives:-
1.     He did not have even a rupee with him. He could not buy a loaf of bread.


2.    Every cricket team has a captain. He directs the other players.


3.    He went to Amritsar. He wanted to visit the Golden Temple.


4.    The robber took out a knife. He intended to frighten the old man.


5.    He wants to earn his livelihood. He works hard for that reason.


6.    The strikers held a meeting. They wished to discuss the terms of the employers.


7.    He has five children. He must provide for them.


8.    Everyone should do his duty. India expects this of every man.


9.    She visits the poor. She is anxious to relieve them of their sufferings.


10. He collects old stamps even at great expense. This is his hobby.


11.  I decided to go in and check (underline the infinitives X)

12. Very few flower sellers were willing to provide bilva leaves. (underline the infinitives X)


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