Finite Verbs In English Grammar

Introduction

Understanding finite verbs in English grammar is crucial. In English sentences, at least one finite verb is necessary to indicate tense, number, and agreement with the subject.

This article aims to define finite verbs, explore the distinctions that set them apart from non-finite verbs, and provide illustrative examples to enhance understanding of this grammatical concept.

What Are Finite Verbs In English Grammar?

Finite verbs in English grammar are a type of verbs that always accompany a subject and express tense and number within an independent clause or sentence. They are distinct from non-finite verbs, which lack tense and number distinctions and cannot function as the main verb independently.

In a sentence, there is typically at least one verb that possesses both a subject and a tense, classifying it as finite.

Let’s explore some examples of finite verbs:

  • She writes a letter every day.
    • “She” is the subject.
    • “writes” is the finite verb because it shows the present tense and agrees with the singular subject “She.”
    • “a letter” is the object.
    • “every day” provides additional information and is not part of the main clause.
  • They watched the match.
    • “They” is the subject.
    • “watched” is the finite verb because it shows the past tense and agrees with the plural subject “They.”
    • “the match” is the object.
  • He is watching a movie.
    • “They” is the subject;
    • “is” is a finite verb because it shows the present tense and agrees with the singular subject “He.”
    • “watching” is a non-finite verb. (It is a present particle that does not exhibit tense and number);
    • “a movie” is an object.

Finite Vs Non-Finite Verbs

Finite verbs have a specific tense and often agree with the subject, while non-finite verbs lack tense and may not agree with the subject.

  • I am writing.
    • Finite verb: “am”
      • The verb “to be” refers to the present and has a subject (“I”) with which it agrees.
    • Non-finite verb: “Writing”
      • A present participle. Used in a compound tense.
  • To apply, you will have to send us an email.
    • Finite verb: “will”
      • The auxiliary verb “will”: Refers to the future tense and has a subject (“you”) with which it agrees.
    • Non-finite verbs: “to apply”
      • Used without specifying tense and subject-verb agreement.
  • Sitting on the couch lazily, she gazed at the red mark on the wall.
    • Finite verb: “noticed”
      • The verb “gazed” refers to the past tense and has a subject (“she”) with which it agrees.
    • Non-finite verb: “sitting”
      • Used without specifying tense and subject-verb agreement.
  • Exhausted by a long day of work, we decided to go to bed early.
    • Finite verb: “decided”
      • The verb “decided” refers to the past tense and has a subject (“we”) with which it agrees.
    • Non-finite verb: “exhausted”
      • Used without specifying tense and subject-verb agreement.
Aspect Definition and Explanation
What are Finite Verbs? A type of verb in English grammar that always accompanies a subject, expressing tense and number within an independent clause or sentence.
Distinguished from Non-Finite Verbs Finite verbs differ from non-finite verbs, which lack tense and number distinctions and cannot function as the main verb independently.
Typical Characteristics In a sentence, at least one verb is finite, possessing both a subject and a tense.
Example “She writes a letter to him to apologize.“
– “She” is the subject.
– “Writes” is the finite verb, showing the present tense and agreeing with the singular subject.
– “A letter to him” contains direct and indirect objects.
– “To apologize” is a non-finite verb – It lacks tense and number distinctions and cannot function as the main verb independently.
Finite Verbs In English Grammar

Compound Verbs In Action

A compound verb consists of one finite part, typically the first auxiliary verb, accompanied by non-finite parts such as the present or past participles.

In the examples below, the finite part of the verb phrase is highlighted in bold:

  • She may be sleeping.
    • Finite part: “May”
    • Non-finite parts: “be sleeping”
  • We were working on a new project.
    • Finite part: “were”
    • Non-finite parts: “working,”
  • I had prepared dinner before their arrival.
    • Finite part: “had”
    • Non-finite parts: “prepared”
  • She can do it.
    • Finite part: “Can”
    • Non-finite part: “do”
Compound Verbs Example Finite and Non-finite Parts
Consists of one finite part (typically the first auxiliary verb) and non-finite parts (present or past participles). She has done the job! Finite part: has
Non-finite parts: done

How To Identify Finite Verbs In English Grammar?

A verb is finite if it meets the following criteria:

  1. Accompanied by a Subject: A finite verb always accompanies a subject in a sentence. The subject is the entity performing the action or being described.
  2. Expresses Tense: A finite verb indicates the time of an action or state. It can convey whether the action is happening in the present, past, or future.
  3. Shows Agreement: A finite verb agrees with the subject in terms of number and person. In other words, the form of the verb changes based on whether the subject is singular or plural and whether it’s in the first, second, or third person.
  4. Can Stand Alone: A finite verb can function as the main verb in an independent clause.

Example Sentences With Finite Verbs

Here are 10 sentences with the finite verbs highlighted in bold:

  1. The students are studying for their exams.
  2. My sister bought a new car yesterday.
  3. Birds sing melodiously in the morning.
  4. We will celebrate her birthday next weekend.
  5. The chef prepared a delicious meal for us.
  6. The rain has stopped, and the sun is shining.
  7. They were playing football in the park.
  8. The baby cried loudly when he dropped his toy.
  9. I have completed the assignment ahead of time.
  10. The teacher explains the lesson with clarity.

Test Your Knowledge Of Finite Verbs In English Grammar

Identify finite verbs in these sentences:

  1. She is reading a fascinating book.
  2. They have completed their homework.
  3. The sun shines brightly in the sky.
  4. He played the guitar at the concert.
  5. We will visit the museum next week.
  6. The cat is sleeping on the windowsill.
  7. I am writing an important email.
  8. They enjoyed the delicious meal.
  9. The flowers smell wonderful.
  10. She has finished her work early today.

Answers: 1. is – 2. have – 3. shines – 4. played – 5. will – 6. is – 7. am – 8. enjoyed – 9. smell – 10. has.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finite verbs in English grammar are essential in making sentences clear and complete. When we make sentences, we need at least one finite verb in the main part to show the tense, number, and agreement with the subject. This makes them different from non-finite verbs, which don’t have these specific qualities.

Understanding this difference is important for making sentences that make sense and express ideas accurately. So, knowing about finite verbs helps us use language well.

Related Pages: