Finite Verb

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.