finite verb and infinite verb

[user_gary]

Could anyone explain, what is `finite verb' and `infinite verb'.

I know really it is too lengthy to explain.

So,
Just explain me the basic meaning of the same briefly. Then, I would learn from any other source.

[Casiopea]

OK. Just the basics.

A finite verb can change its form:

To walk
1st person: I walk, walked
2nd person: You walk, walked
3rd person: She walks, walked

The -s in "walks" and the -ed in "walked" are tense markers. Finite verbs can change their tense. Non-finite verbs cannot. Moreover, non-finite verbs don't change form at all, not even in the 3rd person singular:

1st person: I am walking
2nd person: You are walking
3rd person: She is walking

The words "am", "are", and "is" are finite verbs. They carry tense; they change form. The word "walking" does not change form - it can't be a finite verb. It's a non-finite verb. Specifically, it's a participle.

Non-finite verbs
Bare stems: I can walk.
Infinitive forms: I like to walk.
Present participle: I am walking;
Past participle: I have walked; passive: The dog was walked

All the best.

[user_gary]

Originally Posted by Casiopea

OK. Just the basics.

A finite verb can change its form:

To walk
1st person: I walk, walked
2nd person: You walk, walked
3rd person: She walks, walked

The -s in "walks" and the -ed in "walked" are tense markers. Finite verbs can change their tense. Non-finite verbs cannot. Moreover, non-finite verbs don't change form at all, not even in the 3rd person singular:

1st person: I am walking
2nd person: You are walking
3rd person: She is walking

The words "am", "are", and "is" are finite verbs. They carry tense; they change form. The word "walking" does not change form - it can't be a finite verb. It's a non-finite verb. Specifically, it's a participle.

Non-finite verbs
Bare stems: I can walk.
Infinitive forms: I like to walk.
Present participle: I am walking;
Past participle: I have walked; passive: The dog was walked

All the best.

Many Many Thanks to Casiopea

Thats what I wanted.

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome.

[Nafeedah]

Hey that's a great explanation :) Just wanted to correct a small detail.. "walking" is not a participle but a gerund :) just like learning, coming, seeing-they are gerunds:) example of participles= gone, seen, drunk.....

[mmasny]

Originally Posted by Nafeedah

Hey that's a great explanation :) Just wanted to correct a small detail.. "walking" is not a participle but a gerund :) just like learning, coming, seeing-they are gerunds:) example of participles= gone, seen, drunk.....

You're partially right. Walking can be a gerund. But it can be a participle too. Consider such a sentence:
I am walking.

"Walking" is a participle here.

In the sentence below, on the other hand, it is a gerund:
I like walking.