Which of the following is a non-finite verb in the sentence given below?
Meera practises every morning, dreaming that she will one day run for India, though she still feels nervous before a race.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → dreaming
“Dreaming” is an -ing form used alone, with no helping verb before it. It stays the same whatever the subject or the tense.
| Option | Form and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) practises | a finite verb; it has the subject “Meera” and changes with it and with the tense (practise, practised) | The boys practise in the evening. |
| (2) dreaming (answer) | a non-finite verb: it has no subject of its own and shows no tense. The to-verb, the -ing form and the past participle (V3) used alone are non-finite | Raju sat by the window, watching the rain. |
| (3) will run | a finite verb; its subject is “she”, and “will” shows the future tense | The school bus will leave at seven tomorrow. |
| (4) feels | a finite verb; its subject is “she”, and it would change to “felt” in the past | Grandpa felt tired after the long walk. |