Definition & Meaning of "non-finite verb"

What is a "non-finite verb"?

A non-finite verb is a verb form that does not show tense and does not act as the main verb in a sentence. Non-finite verbs include infinitives, gerunds, and participles. They cannot stand alone as the main verb and are often used to add meaning to a finite verb or to function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. For example, in the sentence "I enjoy swimming," the verb "swimming" is a gerund acting as the object of the verb "enjoy." Similarly, in "To read is fun," the infinitive "to read" serves as the subject. Non-finite verbs are important for constructing complex sentences and expressing a range of ideas.