Finite verb: Definition and example

Finite verbs are essential components of sentences, providing crucial information about the action or state of the subject. Let’s break down what finite verbs are and look at some examples to understand them better.

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Definition: A finite verb is a form of a verb that:

• Shows agreement with a subject: It changes form based on the subject (e.g., “he runs” vs. “they run”).

• Is marked for tense: It indicates the time of the action (past, present, or future).

In simpler terms, a finite verb can stand alone as the main verb in a sentence and tell us who is doing the action and when it is happening.

Examples and Explanation

1. She walks to school.

   • Walks: This is the finite verb. It agrees with the subject “she” and is in the present tense, indicating that the action is happening now.

2. They played football yesterday.

   • Played: This is the finite verb. It agrees with the subject “they” and is in the past tense, indicating that the action happened in the past.

3. I will call you later.

   • Will call: This is the finite verb phrase. “Will” is the auxiliary verb indicating future tense, and “call” is the main verb. Together, they show that the action will happen in the future.

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Why Finite Verbs are Important?

Finite verbs are crucial because they form the backbone of sentences. Without a finite verb, a sentence cannot convey a complete thought. They help us understand who is performing the action and when it is taking place.

More Examples

• He is reading a book.
  • Is reading: “Is” is the finite verb, showing present continuous tense, indicating that the action is ongoing.
• We have finished our homework.
  • Have finished: “Have” is the finite verb, showing present perfect tense, indicating that the action is completed.

Finite verbs are verbs that change form to match the subject and indicate tense. They are essential for constructing meaningful sentences and conveying complete thoughts. By understanding and using finite verbs correctly, you can improve your English grammar and communication skills.

Finite verbs can be categorized based on their tense and aspect. Here are the main types of finite verbs, along with examples and a breakdown of each:

1. Simple Present Tense

Example: She reads a book.

• She (subject)
• reads (finite verb in simple present tense)
• a book (object)

Explanation: The verb “reads” agrees with the subject “she” and indicates a present action or habitual activity.

2. Simple Past Tense

Example: They played football.

• They (subject)
• played (finite verb in simple past tense)
• football (object)

Explanation: The verb “played” agrees with the subject “they” and indicates an action that happened in the past.

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3. Simple Future Tense

Example: I will call you tomorrow.

• I (subject)
• will call (finite verb in simple future tense)
• you (object)
• tomorrow (time expression)

Explanation: The verb phrase “will call” indicates a future action. “Will” is the auxiliary verb, and “call” is the main verb.

4. Present Continuous Tense

Example: He is running in the park.

• He (subject)
• is running (finite verb in present continuous tense)
• in the park (prepositional phrase)

Explanation: The verb phrase “is running” indicates an ongoing action happening right now. “Is” is the auxiliary verb, and “running” is the main verb.

5. Past Continuous Tense

Example: They were watching a movie.

• They (subject)
• were watching (finite verb in past continuous tense)
• a movie (object)

Explanation: The verb phrase “were watching” indicates an ongoing action that was happening in the past. “Were” is the auxiliary verb, and “watching” is the main verb.

6. Present Perfect Tense

Example: She has finished her homework.

• She (subject)
• has finished (finite verb in present perfect tense)
• her homework (object)

Explanation: The verb phrase “has finished” indicates a completed action that has relevance to the present. “Has” is the auxiliary verb, and “finished” is the main verb.

7. Past Perfect Tense

Example: We had eaten dinner before they arrived.

• We (subject)
• had eaten (finite verb in past perfect tense)
• dinner (object)
• before they arrived (subordinate clause)

Explanation: The verb phrase “had eaten” indicates an action that was completed before another action in the past. “Had” is the auxiliary verb, and “eaten” is the main verb.

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Finite Verbs as Independent Clauses

Finite verbs are crucial in forming independent clauses, which are complete sentences that can stand alone. Let’s break this down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What is an Independent Clause?

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a finite verb, expressing a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Example and Breakdown

Example: She runs every morning.

• She (subject)
• runs (finite verb in simple present tense)
• every morning (additional information)

Explanation: In this sentence, “She runs every morning,” the finite verb “runs” agrees with the subject “she” and indicates a habitual action in the present tense. This clause is independent because it expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

More Examples

1. He finished his homework.
   • He (subject)
   • finished (finite verb in simple past tense)
   • his homework (object)

Explanation: “He finished his homework” is an independent clause because it has a subject (“He”) and a finite verb (“finished”), and it expresses a complete thought.

2. They will travel to Paris next month.
   • They (subject)
   • will travel (finite verb in simple future tense)
   • to Paris next month (additional information)

Explanation: “They will travel to Paris next month” is an independent clause. The finite verb “will travel” indicates a future action, and the clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Why Finite Verbs are Important in Independent Clauses

Finite verbs are essential because they provide the necessary information about the action or state of the subject and indicate the tense. Without a finite verb, a clause cannot express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as an independent clause.

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Finite verbs are the backbone of sentences, providing essential information about the action or state of the subject and indicating when it happens. By understanding and using finite verbs correctly, you can create clear and complete sentences that effectively communicate your thoughts

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1: What is a finite verb?

Ans: A finite verb is a verb that shows agreement with a subject and is marked for tense, indicating when the action occurs.

Q.2: Can a finite verb stand alone in a sentence?

Ans: Yes, a finite verb can stand alone in a sentence as part of an independent clause, expressing a complete thought.

Q.3: How do finite verbs differ from non-finite verbs?

Ans: Finite verbs change form based on the subject and tense, while non-finite verbs (like infinitives, gerunds, and participles) do not change form and cannot stand alone as the main verb in a sentence.

Q.4: Why are finite verbs important?

Ans: Finite verbs are essential for constructing meaningful sentences, as they provide information about the action or state of the subject and indicate the time of the action.

Q.5: Can you give an example of a finite verb in a sentence?

Ans: Sure! In the sentence “She runs every morning,” “runs” is the finite verb, showing present tense and agreeing with the subject “she.”

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