Non-Finite Verbs

Non-Finite Verbs

A Non-Finite Verb is a verb form that does not change according to the person, number, or tense of the subject.

Compare:

• She writes every day.
• They write every day.
• She wrote yesterday.

Here, writes, write, and wrote are finite verbs because their forms are connected with the subject or tense.

Now consider:

• She wants to write a book.
• Writing improves vocabulary.
• I saw a broken window.

Here, to write, writing, and broken are non-finite forms.

The three major types of non-finite verbs are:

1. Infinitive
2. Gerund
3. Participle

A fourth important examination category is the Bare Infinitive, which is an infinitive used without “to.”

Non-finite verbs are extremely important in competitive examinations because they are frequently tested through:

• Gerund vs Infinitive
• to + V1 vs to + V-ing
• Bare Infinitives
• Participial constructions
• Verb patterns
• Sentence correction
• Dangling participles
• Parallelism
• Common verb-form errors

Infinitives

An Infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by to.

Structure:

to + V1

Examples:

• to read
• to write
• to speak
• to work
• to learn
• to understand

Sentences:

• I want to learn English.
• She decided to study harder.
• They hope to win the match.
• He wants to become a doctor.

The infinitive is non-finite because it does not change with the subject.

Compare:

• I want to study.
• He wants to study.
• They wanted to study.

The main verb changes:

want → wants → wanted

But the infinitive remains:

to study

Infinitive as a Noun

An infinitive can perform a noun-like function.

As subject:

To forgive is difficult.

Here, to forgive is the subject.

As object:

She wants to succeed.

Here, to succeed completes the meaning of wants.

Infinitive as an Adjective

An infinitive may modify a noun.

Example:

I have some work to finish.

Here, to finish describes the work.

Another example:

She needs a book to read.

Infinitive as an Adverb

An infinitive may express purpose.

Example:

He went to Delhi to attend an interview.

Why did he go?

→ to attend an interview

Another example:

She works hard to succeed.

Thus:

to + V1 can express purpose.

Infinitive of Purpose

Common structure:

Subject + Verb + … + to + V1

Examples:

• He went to the market to buy vegetables.
• She studies hard to pass the examination.
• We exercise to remain healthy.

The same idea can sometimes be expressed using:

• in order to
• so as to

Examples:

She studies hard in order to succeed.

He spoke quietly so as not to disturb anyone.

Negative Infinitive

The negative is normally formed by placing not before the infinitive.

Structure:

not + to + V1

Example:

He decided not to go.

She asked me not to speak.

I promised not to reveal the secret.

Incorrect:

He decided to not go. is possible in some contexts as a split infinitive, but not to go is the neutral and generally preferred examination form.

Verbs Commonly Followed by Infinitives

Many verbs are normally followed by to + V1.

Important examples include:

• agree
• appear
• arrange
• attempt
• choose
• decide
• expect
• fail
• hope
• learn
• manage
• offer
• plan
• prepare
• pretend
• promise
• refuse
• seem
• want
• wish

Examples:

She decided to leave.

He refused to help.

We hope to succeed.

They managed to escape.

She promised to return.

Verb + Object + Infinitive

Certain verbs commonly follow the pattern:

Verb + Object + to + V1

Important examples:

• advise
• allow
• ask
• encourage
• expect
• force
• invite
• order
• persuade
• remind
• request
• teach
• tell
• want
• warn

Examples:

The teacher advised me to work hard.

She asked him to wait.

They encouraged us to participate.

The officer ordered the soldiers to move.

I reminded him to submit the form.

Too…To

Structure:

too + adjective/adverb + to + V1

Example:

He is too weak to walk.

Meaning:

He is so weak that he cannot walk.

Another example:

The box is too heavy for me to lift.

Adjective + Enough + Infinitive

Structure:

adjective + enough + to + V1

Example:

She is intelligent enough to understand the problem.

He is strong enough to lift the box.

Remember:

• too weak to walk
• strong enough to lift

Question Word + Infinitive

An infinitive can follow question words such as:

• what
• where
• when
• how
• which
• whether

Examples:

I do not know what to do.

She explained how to solve the problem.

Tell me where to go.

We have not decided whether to stay or leave.

But why normally does not take a to-infinitive in this pattern.

We say:

Why wait?

rather than:

Why to wait? ✘

Perfect Infinitive

Structure:

to have + V3

It refers to an action that occurred before the time expressed by the main verb.

Example:

He seems to have forgotten the meeting.

Meaning:

It appears that he forgot the meeting earlier.

Another example:

She is believed to have left the country.

Passive Infinitive

Structure:

to be + V3

Examples:

The work needs to be completed.

She wants to be respected.

The form has to be submitted today.

Perfect Passive Infinitive

Structure:

to have been + V3

Example:

The building appears to have been damaged.

Gerunds

A Gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun.

Examples:

• reading
• writing
• swimming
• walking
• dancing

Consider:

Swimming is good exercise.

Swimming comes from the verb swim, but here it functions as the subject of the sentence.

Therefore, it is a gerund.

Gerund as Subject

Examples:

Reading improves vocabulary.

Swimming is good for health.

Walking every morning keeps us active.

A gerund or gerund phrase functioning as the subject normally takes a singular verb.

Correct:

Swimming is beneficial.

Gerund as Object

A gerund can function as the object of a verb.

Examples:

I enjoy reading.

She loves dancing.

He avoids driving at night.

Gerund after a Preposition

This is one of the most important rules.

When a verb follows a preposition, it normally takes the -ing form.

Structure:

Preposition + V-ing

Examples:

She is interested in learning English.

He left without saying goodbye.

They succeeded by working hard.

Thank you for helping me.

Incorrect:

She is interested in learn English. ✘

Correct:

She is interested in learning English. ✔

“To” as a Preposition + Gerund

The word to is not always an infinitive marker.

Sometimes it is a preposition.

When to is a preposition, use:

to + V-ing

Important expressions:

• accustomed to
• addicted to
• committed to
• devoted to
• object to
• opposed to
• look forward to
• used to
• prefer X to
• dedicated to

Examples:

I look forward to meeting you.

She is accustomed to working hard.

He objected to paying the fee.

They are committed to improving the system.

Incorrect:

I look forward to meet you. ✘

Correct:

I look forward to meeting you. ✔

Used to vs Be Used to

These structures are completely different.

used to + V1

→ past habit or state

Example:

I used to play cricket.

Meaning:

I played cricket regularly in the past.

But:

be used to + noun/V-ing

→ be accustomed to

Example:

I am used to waking up early.

Meaning:

Waking up early is normal for me.

Compare:

• I used to wake up early. → past habit
• I am used to waking up early. → accustomed to it

Get Used to

get used to + noun/V-ing

means become accustomed to.

Example:

You will soon get used to living in the city.

Verbs Commonly Followed by Gerunds

Important verbs include:

• admit
• avoid
• consider
• delay
• deny
• dislike
• enjoy
• escape
• finish
• imagine
• keep
• mind
• miss
• postpone
• practise
• quit
• recommend
• resist
• risk
• suggest

Examples:

She enjoys reading.

He avoided answering the question.

They postponed holding the meeting.

I suggest taking a taxi.

He admitted stealing the money.

Common Expressions Followed by Gerunds

Certain expressions are followed by V-ing.

Examples include:

• cannot help
• cannot stand
• it is no use
• it is no good
• worth
• feel like
• have difficulty
• have trouble
• spend time
• waste time
• be busy

Examples:

I cannot help laughing.

It is no use arguing with him.

This book is worth reading.

I feel like going for a walk.

She had difficulty understanding the question.

He spent two hours studying.

Go + Gerund

For many recreational activities, we use:

go + V-ing

Examples:

• go swimming
• go shopping
• go fishing
• go skiing
• go jogging
• go sightseeing

Example:

We went shopping yesterday.

Possessive + Gerund

In formal English, a possessive form can precede a gerund when emphasis is on the action.

Example:

I appreciate your helping me.

Do you mind my opening the window?

In ordinary modern English, object forms are also common:

Do you mind me opening the window?

Competitive examinations may prefer the traditional possessive form in highly formal questions.

Negative Gerund

Structure:

not + V-ing

Example:

He regretted not studying harder.

Not exercising regularly can affect health.

Passive Gerund

Structure:

being + V3

Example:

He dislikes being criticised.

She enjoys being praised.

Perfect Gerund

Structure:

having + V3

It refers to an action completed before another action.

Example:

He admitted having made a mistake.

Perfect Passive Gerund

Structure:

having been + V3

Example:

She complained about having been ignored.

Participles

A Participle is a verb form that generally functions like an adjective or forms part of a verb phrase.

The major types are:

• Present Participle
• Past Participle
• Perfect Participle

Present Participle

The Present Participle is formed using:

V-ing

Examples:

• running
• crying
• shining
• barking
• smiling

When it modifies a noun, it functions adjectivally.

Examples:

The crying baby needs milk.

We saw a shining star.

The barking dog frightened the child.

Here:

• crying → describes baby
• shining → describes star
• barking → describes dog

Gerund vs Present Participle

Both have the form V-ing, but their functions are different.

Gerund → functions as a noun

Present Participle → functions as an adjective or in a continuous verb form

Compare:

Swimming is good exercise.

• swimming = Gerund
• functions as subject/noun

The swimming boy waved at us.

• swimming = Present Participle
• describes boy

Another example:

Reading improves knowledge.

→ Reading = Gerund

The girl reading the newspaper is my sister.

→ reading = Participle

The function, not merely the form, determines the category.

Present Participle in Continuous Tenses

The -ing form also combines with be to form continuous verb phrases.

Examples:

She is reading.

They were playing.

I have been studying.

In such constructions, the participle forms part of the verb phrase.

Past Participle

The Past Participle is generally the V3 form.

Examples:

• written
• broken
• stolen
• completed
• injured
• tired

It can function adjectivally.

Examples:

A broken window needs repair.

The injured player was taken to hospital.

The stolen car was recovered.

Past Participle in Perfect Tenses

V3 combines with have/has/had.

Examples:

She has completed the work.

They had left before I arrived.

Past Participle in Passive Voice

V3 combines with an appropriate form of be in passive constructions.

Examples:

The letter was written by Rahul.

The road is being repaired.

The work has been completed.

Present vs Past Participial Adjectives

This distinction is frequently tested.

An -ing adjective generally describes the person or thing causing a feeling.

An -ed/V3 adjective generally describes the person experiencing the feeling.

Compare:

The movie is boring.

→ The movie causes boredom.

I am bored.

→ I experience boredom.

Similarly:

Examples:

The lecture was interesting.

The students were interested.

Incorrect:

I am interesting in Geography. ✘

Correct:

I am interested in Geography. ✔

Perfect Participle

Structure:

having + V3

It shows that one action was completed before another action.

Example:

Having completed the work, she went home.

Meaning:

First → She completed the work.

Then → She went home.

Another example:

Having finished dinner, they went for a walk.

Perfect Passive Participle

Structure:

having been + V3

Example:

Having been warned about the storm, the fishermen stayed ashore.

Participial Phrase

A participle together with its modifiers and complements forms a participial phrase.

Example:

Walking along the road, Rahul saw an accident.

Participial phrase:

Walking along the road

It describes Rahul.

Another example:

Exhausted by the journey, the travellers went to sleep.

Participial phrase:

Exhausted by the journey

It describes the travellers.

Dangling Participle

A participial phrase should logically modify the subject of the main clause.

Incorrect:

Walking along the road, a car hit Rahul. ✘

Grammatically, this suggests that the car was walking.

Correct:

Walking along the road, Rahul was hit by a car. ✔

or:

While Rahul was walking along the road, a car hit him. ✔

Another incorrect example:

Having completed the assignment, the television was turned on. ✘

This suggests that the television completed the assignment.

Correct:

Having completed the assignment, Riya turned on the television. ✔

This error is called a dangling participle or dangling modifier.

Bare Infinitives

A Bare Infinitive is the base form of a verb used without “to.”

Structure:

V1 without to

Examples:

• go
• read
• write
• speak
• work

Compare:

I want to go.

→ to-infinitive

I can go.

→ bare infinitive

After Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Use a bare infinitive after modal auxiliaries such as:

• can
• could
• may
• might
• shall
• should
• will
• would
• must

Examples:

She can swim.

You should study.

They may come.

We must leave.

Incorrect:

She can to swim. ✘

Correct:

She can swim. ✔

After Do, Does and Did

Use the base form after:

• do
• does
• did

Examples:

Do you know him?

She does not like tea.

Did he come yesterday?

Incorrect:

Did he came yesterday? ✘

Correct:

Did he come yesterday? ✔

The auxiliary did already carries the past tense.

After Let

Structure:

let + object + V1

Examples:

Let me go.

Let him speak.

Let them enter.

Incorrect:

Let him to go. ✘

Correct:

Let him go. ✔

After Make

In active voice:

make + object + V1

Example:

The teacher made him rewrite the answer.

The joke made us laugh.

Incorrect:

The teacher made him to rewrite the answer. ✘

But in passive voice, to returns:

He was made to rewrite the answer.

Compare:

• The teacher made him write. → Active
• He was made to write. → Passive

This is an important examination rule.

After Had Better

Structure:

had better + V1

Examples:

You had better leave now.

We had better wait.

Incorrect:

You had better to leave now. ✘

After Would Rather

Structure:

would rather + V1

Example:

I would rather stay at home.

She would rather walk than take a bus.

Incorrect:

I would rather to stay home. ✘

After Would Sooner

Structure:

would sooner + V1

Example:

I would sooner resign than accept those conditions.

After Why / Why Not

Examples:

Why wait?

Why not try again?

Not:

Why to wait? ✘

After Help

Both constructions are possible:

help + object + V1

or:

help + object + to + V1

Examples:

She helped me carry the bags.

She helped me to carry the bags.

Both are standard.

After Verbs of Perception

Certain verbs of perception can take:

object + bare infinitive

Important verbs:

• see
• hear
• watch
• feel
• notice

Example:

I saw him cross the road.

This generally presents the action as a complete event.

Compare:

I saw him crossing the road.

This focuses on the action in progress.

Another example:

I heard her sing.

→ heard the performance/action as a whole

I heard her singing.

→ heard her while the singing was in progress

Know + Object + Bare Infinitive

In certain structures, especially with perfect forms, know can occur with a bare infinitive.

Example:

I have never known him behave like this.

This is less common than the major bare-infinitive patterns but may appear in advanced grammar.

Gerund vs Infinitive

One of the most important areas of non-finite verbs is deciding whether a verb should be followed by:

Gerund → V-ing

or:

Infinitive → to + V1

Some verbs take only one form, while others can take both—sometimes with a change in meaning.

Verbs Normally Followed by Gerunds

Important verbs:

• admit
• avoid
• consider
• delay
• deny
• dislike
• enjoy
• escape
• finish
• imagine
• keep
• mind
• miss
• postpone
• practise
• quit
• recommend
• resist
• risk
• suggest

Examples:

I enjoy reading.

She avoided answering.

He admitted taking the money.

They postponed holding the meeting.

Incorrect:

She enjoys to read. ✘ in standard usage

Correct:

She enjoys reading. ✔

Verbs Normally Followed by Infinitives

Important verbs:

• agree
• arrange
• attempt
• choose
• decide
• expect
• fail
• hope
• learn
• manage
• offer
• plan
• prepare
• promise
• refuse
• seem
• want
• wish

Examples:

She decided to leave.

We hope to win.

He refused to answer.

They managed to escape.

Verbs That Can Take Both without Major Change in Meaning

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or infinitive with little or only subtle difference in many contexts.

Examples include:

• begin
• start
• continue
• like
• love
• hate
• prefer

Examples:

It started raining.

It started to rain.

Both are correct.

I like reading.

I like to read before going to bed.

Both are possible, though context can create differences in emphasis.

Stop + Gerund vs Stop + Infinitive

The meaning changes completely.

stop + V-ing

→ discontinue an activity

Example:

He stopped smoking.

Meaning:

He gave up smoking.

stop + to + V1

→ stop one activity in order to do another

Example:

He stopped to smoke.

Meaning:

He stopped what he was doing so that he could smoke.

Compare:

• stopped smoking → quit smoking
• stopped to smoke → paused another activity for smoking

Remember + Gerund vs Remember + Infinitive

remember + V-ing

→ remember a past event

Example:

I remember meeting him.

Meaning:

I have a memory of the meeting.

remember + to + V1

→ remember to perform an action

Example:

Remember to lock the door.

Meaning:

Do not forget to lock it.

Forget + Gerund vs Forget + Infinitive

forget + V-ing

→ forget the memory of a past event; often used in negative constructions

Example:

I will never forget meeting her.

forget + to + V1

→ fail to perform an intended action

Example:

I forgot to call him.

Regret + Gerund vs Regret + Infinitive

regret + V-ing

→ feel sorry about a past action

Example:

I regret saying those words.

regret + to + V1

→ formal expression used when giving unpleasant information

Example:

We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.

Try + Gerund vs Try + Infinitive

try + to + V1

→ make an effort

Example:

I tried to open the door, but it was locked.

try + V-ing

→ experiment with a possible solution

Example:

Try restarting the computer.

Compare:

• try to solve → make an effort
• try using this method → test the method

Mean + Gerund vs Mean + Infinitive

mean + V-ing

→ involve/result in

Example:

Being a doctor means working long hours.

mean + to + V1

→ intend

Example:

I meant to call you yesterday.

Go On + Gerund vs Go On + Infinitive

go on + V-ing

→ continue the same activity

Example:

He went on talking for an hour.

go on + to + V1

→ move to a new activity

Example:

After discussing climate, the teacher went on to explain vegetation.

Need + Gerund vs Need + Infinitive

need + to + V1

usually means the subject must perform the action.

Example:

I need to repair the car.

need + V-ing can have a passive meaning, particularly in British English.

Example:

The car needs repairing.

Meaning:

The car needs to be repaired.

Both are correct:

• The car needs repairing.
• The car needs to be repaired.

Like + Gerund vs Like + Infinitive

Both can be correct.

like + V-ing often expresses general enjoyment.

Example:

I like swimming.

like + to + V1 may express a habit, preference, or what someone considers appropriate.

Example:

I like to check my email every morning.

The distinction is not always rigid.

Prefer + Gerund

Example:

I prefer walking to driving.

Structure:

prefer + V-ing + to + V-ing

Incorrect:

I prefer walking than driving. ✘

Correct:

I prefer walking to driving. ✔

Would Prefer + Infinitive

Example:

I would prefer to stay at home.

Would Rather + Bare Infinitive

Example:

I would rather stay at home.

Not:

I would rather to stay. ✘

Compare:

• prefer walking to driving
• would prefer to walk
• would rather walk

Gerund and Infinitive Patterns at a Glance

Verbs Whose Meaning Changes

Common Errors

Non-finite verb errors are particularly common because students often choose between V1, to + V1, V-ing and V3 by intuition rather than by grammatical structure.

Modal + To-Infinitive

Incorrect:

She can to swim. ✘

Correct:

She can swim. ✔

After ordinary modal auxiliaries, use a bare infinitive.

Modal + Verb-s

Incorrect:

He can speaks English. ✘

Correct:

He can speak English. ✔

The verb after a modal remains V1.

Did + V2

Incorrect:

Did he went there? ✘

Correct:

Did he go there? ✔

Incorrect:

She did not completed the work. ✘

Correct:

She did not complete the work. ✔

After did, use V1.

Let + To-Infinitive

Incorrect:

Let him to go. ✘

Correct:

Let him go. ✔

Structure:

let + object + V1

Make + To-Infinitive in Active Voice

Incorrect:

The teacher made him to write the answer again. ✘

Correct:

The teacher made him write the answer again. ✔

But passive:

He was made to write the answer again. ✔

Had Better + To

Incorrect:

You had better to leave now. ✘

Correct:

You had better leave now. ✔

Would Rather + To

Incorrect:

I would rather to stay home. ✘

Correct:

I would rather stay home. ✔

Enjoy + Infinitive

Incorrect:

I enjoy to read books. ✘

Correct:

I enjoy reading books. ✔

Avoid + Infinitive

Incorrect:

He avoided to answer the question. ✘

Correct:

He avoided answering the question. ✔

Suggest + Infinitive

Incorrect:

She suggested to go by train. ✘

Correct:

She suggested going by train. ✔

Also correct:

She suggested that we should go by train.

or:

She suggested that we go by train.

Do not normally say:

She suggested me to go. ✘

Better:

She suggested that I should go.

Look Forward To + Infinitive

Incorrect:

I look forward to meet you. ✘

Correct:

I look forward to meeting you. ✔

Here, to is a preposition.

Accustomed To + Infinitive

Incorrect:

He is accustomed to wake early. ✘

Correct:

He is accustomed to waking early. ✔

Used To vs Be Used To

Incorrect:

I am used to wake up early. ✘

Correct:

I am used to waking up early. ✔

But:

I used to wake up early. ✔

Remember:

• used to + V1 → past habit
• be used to + V-ing → accustomed to

Preposition + V1

Incorrect:

He left without say goodbye. ✘

Correct:

He left without saying goodbye. ✔

Rule:

Preposition + V-ing

Worth + Infinitive

Incorrect:

This book is worth to read. ✘

Correct:

This book is worth reading. ✔

Cannot Help + Infinitive

Incorrect:

I cannot help to laugh. ✘ in the intended idiomatic sense

Correct:

I cannot help laughing. ✔

It Is No Use + Infinitive

Incorrect:

It is no use to argue with him. ✘ in the standard idiomatic construction

Correct:

It is no use arguing with him. ✔

Mind + Infinitive

Incorrect:

Would you mind to open the window? ✘

Correct:

Would you mind opening the window? ✔

Confusing Gerund and Participle

In:

Swimming is good exercise.

Swimming = Gerund because it functions as a noun.

In:

The swimming boy waved.

Swimming = Participle because it describes the boy.

Do not classify every -ing form automatically as a gerund.

Bored vs Boring

Incorrect:

I am boring with this lecture. ✘ if the meaning is that the lecture causes boredom

Correct:

I am bored with this lecture. ✔

The lecture is:

boring

The listener is:

bored

Similarly:

• interesting → causes interest
• interested → experiences interest
• exciting → causes excitement
• excited → experiences excitement

Dangling Participle

Incorrect:

Walking through the market, the rain started. ✘

This grammatically suggests that the rain was walking.

Correct:

Walking through the market, I noticed that it had started raining. ✔

or:

While I was walking through the market, it started raining. ✔

The understood subject of the participial phrase should match the logical subject of the main clause.

Wrong Sequence in Perfect Participle

When one completed action clearly occurs before another and that relationship needs emphasis, a perfect participle can be used.

Example:

Having completed the examination, she left the hall.

First:

She completed the examination.

Then:

She left.

Prefer + Than

Incorrect:

I prefer walking than driving. ✘

Correct:

I prefer walking to driving. ✔

But:

I would rather walk than drive. ✔

Do not mix:

prefer…to

with:

rather…than

Stop Doing vs Stop to Do

Do not confuse:

He stopped smoking.

→ He quit smoking.

He stopped to smoke.

→ He paused another activity in order to smoke.

Remember Doing vs Remember to Do

I remember locking the door.

→ memory of a completed action

Remember to lock the door.

→ do not forget the future/intended action

Try Doing vs Try to Do

Try restarting the computer.

→ experiment with this method

Try to restart the computer.

→ make an effort to restart it

Revision Table

Important Verb Patterns

Key Points to Remember

• A finite verb changes according to tense, person, or number where the verb system requires it.
• A non-finite verb does not function as the tense-bearing verb of the clause.
• The three principal non-finite forms are:
  • Infinitive
  • Gerund
  • Participle
• An infinitive usually has the structure:
  • to + V1
  • to read
  • to write
  • to study
• Infinitives can function like:
  • nouns
  • adjectives
  • adverbials
• A gerund has the form V-ing and functions as a noun:
  • Swimming is healthy.
  • I enjoy reading.
• After a preposition, use V-ing:
  • interested in learning
  • good at writing
  • without speaking
• Remember that to may be a preposition:
  • look forward to meeting
  • object to paying
  • accustomed to working
• Do not confuse:
  • used to + V1 → past habit
  • be used to + V-ing → accustomed to something
• A present participle has the form V-ing:
  • a crying child
• A past participle generally uses V3:
  • a broken window
• A perfect participle uses:
  • having + V3
  • Having completed the work, she left.
• Avoid dangling participles. The participial phrase must logically relate to the correct subject.
• A bare infinitive is V1 without to.
• Use a bare infinitive after ordinary modal auxiliaries:
  • can go
  • should study
  • must work
• Also remember:
  • let him go
  • made him work
  • had better leave
  • would rather stay
• But in passive voice:
  • He was made to work.
• Important gerund-taking verbs include:
  • enjoy
  • avoid
  • admit
  • consider
  • finish
  • mind
  • practise
  • suggest
• Important infinitive-taking verbs include:
  • decide
  • hope
  • plan
  • promise
  • refuse
  • want
  • manage
• Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they take a gerund or infinitive:
  • stop
  • remember
  • forget
  • regret
  • try
  • mean
  • go on
• Remember:
  • prefer doing X to doing Y
  • would prefer to do X
  • would rather do X than do Y

Mastering non-finite verbs is essential for error detection, sentence correction, fill in the blanks, cloze tests, sentence transformation and advanced grammar questions. The most important examination skill is not merely recognising an -ing or to + verb form, but understanding the grammatical function and verb pattern required by the sentence.