Finite Verbs

Communication is made possible in all languages through the use of well-constructed sentences. As English language learners, we are all aware that a sentence must contain a subject and a verb in order to sound complete. There are imperative sentences that do not have a subject. This is an exception. Finite and Non Finite Verbs are the two categories into which verbs are divided according to how they behave when paired with a subject in a sentence. This article will introduce you to finite verbs and how to use them, with examples to help you understand.

What Is a Finite Verb?

In everyday talk, a finite verb is basically the main action word in a sentence. It’s the one that shows what the subject is doing. So, if we say, “She opens the door,” the action word “opens” is the finite verb.

Definition of a Finite Verb

According to the Oxford Learners’ Dictionary, “a finite Verb Form or clause shows a particular tense, person, and number.” According to Collins Dictionary, a finite verb is “a verb form that distinguishes person, number, and tense, as well as mood or aspect, as in ‘opens’ in She opens the door.”

Merriam-Webster defines a finite verb as “of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one but is limited (as in tense, person, and number)”.

How to Use Finite Verbs in Sentences?

Here are few points you need to keep in mind if you want to use finite verbs:

• Subject with Verbs: Every sentence with a finite verb needs a subject. That means you have to mention who or what is doing the action.
• Verb Agreement: Your verb has to match your subject. If your subject is singular (like “he” or “she”), your verb should be singular too (like “runs” or “eats”). If your subject is plural (like “they” or “we”), your verb should be plural too (like “run” or “eat”).
• Independent Clauses: A sentence with a finite verb can stand on its own and make sense.It does not require any additional information to complete its meaning.
• Conjugation: When you’re using a finite verb, make sure it’s in the right form for the situation. That means adjusting it based on when the action is happening and who’s doing it.

The Significance of Finite Verbs in English Grammar

Finite verbs are like the backbone of English sentences. They help us make sense of what we’re saying or writing in a clear way. Here’s why they’re so important:

• Building Blocks: They’re the main building blocks of a sentence. Think of them as the pillar that holds everything together.
• Connect Subjects and Actions: Finite verbs connect the doer (the subject) with what they’re doing (the action). They make sure we understand who’s doing what.
• Time Telling: They’re like timekeepers in our sentences. They tell us when things happen – whether it’s in the past, present, or future.
• Question and Negative Helpers: When we want to ask questions or make negative statements, finite verbs are our go-to helpers. They change forms to fit different structures and help us communicate effectively.

So, whether you’re chatting with friends or writing an essay, finite verbs are your trusty tools for making sure your message comes across loud and clear.

Examples of Finite Verbs

Finite verbs are action words in a sentence that show when something happened or who did it. Let’s read these example:

• Reena got home after 7 p.m.

In this sentence, “got” tells us that Reena did something in the past.

• Henry really enjoys reading adventure books.

Here, “enjoys” shows us what Henry likes to do. It’s happening right now.

• We ate all the tasty South Indian food at the wedding on June 8th.

“Ate” tells us what happened in the past at the wedding.

• Can you draw an elephant?

“Can draw” shows us the ability to do something, happening now.

• My kid loves singing Hindi songs.

“Loves” tells us what my kid enjoys doing, happening now.

20 Examples of Finite Verbs

Here are 20 examples of finite verbs that you can read to have clear information.

• I like mangoes
• Do you know this girl?
• Karan lives in Japan.
• We work at the Pizza shop.
• Pooja needs some water.
• I do not understand what you are thinking about.
• Rohit plays video games.
• Chintu cooked maggi for breakfast.
• My friend rides a bike.
• I have tea in the morning.
• We shopped from the mall.
• The girls stood right in front of the park.
• Little cat enjoyed the ride.
• Titus saw an elephant.
• I listen to bollywood songs all the time.
• Henry thanked Jerry for the pasta.
• The boy ran away.
• Jerry took a photo of his new garden.
• I lost my cell phone.
• Joy is an actor.

Check Your Understanding of Finite Verbs

• The student is late to class.
• The car stopped abruptly.
• I bought a new pair of socks for the trip.
• My brother loved pasta.
• I finished the school homework.
• The plate is full.
• Did you read all the chapters of this notebook?
• My phone worked properly even after the damage.
• I took a photo of the bunch of flowers that had bloomed in the park for the first time.
• Could you please try lifting it once more?

Check to see if you correctly identified the finite verbs in each sentence. Let us find out.

• The student is late to class.
• The car stopped abruptly.
• I bought a new pair of socks for the trip.
• My brother loved pasta.
• I finished all the school homework.
• The plate is full.
• Did you read all the chapters of this notebook?
• My phone worked properly even after the damage.
• I took a photo of the bunch of flowers that had bloomed in the park for the first time.
• Could you please try lifting it once more?

Finite Verbs FAQs

What are finite verbs?

Finite verbs are the action words in sentences that show what the subject is doing. They indicate tense, person, number, and sometimes mood or aspect.

How do I use finite verbs in sentences?

To use finite verbs correctly, ensure there's a subject for every sentence, match the verb with the subject in terms of singular or plural form, and make sure the verb reflects the correct tense and situation.

Why are finite verbs important?

Finite verbs are crucial because they connect subjects with actions, indicate when something happens (past, present, or future), and help in forming questions and negative statements for effective communication.

Can you provide examples of finite verbs?

Sure! Examples of finite verbs include words like opens, eats, run, and draw, which show actions happening at different times and involve different subjects.

How can I identify finite verbs in a sentence?

Look for the main action or the word that shows what the subject is doing. It's usually a word that changes based on tense, person, and number.