Overview
A finite verb is a verb that is marked for tense, aspect, mood, and person/number. It is the main verb in a clause and agrees with the subject. Finite verbs can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Key Concepts
Finite verbs are essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences. They provide crucial information about when an action occurred and who performed it.
- Tense: Indicates time (past, present, future).
- Agreement: Matches the subject in person and number.
- Mood: Expresses the speaker’s attitude (indicative, imperative, subjunctive).
Deep Dive
In contrast to non-finite verbs (infinitives, participles, gerunds), finite verbs are restricted by grammatical features. For example, in “He runs fast,” runs is a finite verb showing present tense and third-person singular agreement.
Consider the difference:
- Finite: “She sings beautifully.” (sings is finite)
- Non-finite: “Singing is her passion.” (Singing is a gerund, non-finite)
Applications
Finite verbs are the backbone of all declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences. They are fundamental to conveying information, asking questions, and giving commands.
Challenges & Misconceptions
A common confusion arises with verbals, especially gerunds and participles, which are non-finite. Understanding the agreement and tense marking is key to identifying finite verbs correctly.
FAQs
What is the primary function of a finite verb?
Its primary function is to show tense, person, and number, and to agree with the subject.
Can a sentence have more than one finite verb?
Yes, in compound or complex sentences, multiple clauses can each have their own finite verb.