Finite Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Finite Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Finite Verb?
Finite Verb Definition: A Finite Verb is a verb that shows tense, person, and number. It is conjugated to agree with the subject and indicates when the action takes place. Finite verbs can function as the main verb in a sentence and are essential for creating complete, meaningful sentences.
Why are Finite Verbs Important? They are the backbone of every sentence, providing essential grammatical information about when actions happen and who performs them. Without finite verbs, sentences would be incomplete and unclear.
Function in Grammar
Finite verbs express the primary action, state, or occurrence in a sentence and show grammatical agreement with the subject. They can function independently or be supported by helping verbs. For example:
- I run every morning. (Finite verb showing present tense, first person)
- She runs fast. (Finite verb showing present tense, third person singular)
- They ran yesterday. (Finite verb showing past tense, third person plural)
Finite Verb vs Nonfinite Verb: Finite verbs show tense, person, and number, while nonfinite verbs (infinitives, gerunds, participles) don't show these characteristics.
Characteristics of Finite Verbs
| Characteristic | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tense | Shows when action happens | run (present), ran (past), will run (future) |
| Person | Shows who performs action | I run (1st), you run (2nd), he runs (3rd) |
| Number | Shows singular or plural | he runs (singular), they run (plural) |
| Agreement | Must agree with subject | She runs, they run |
Finite verbs must show tense, person, and number to function properly in sentences.
📌 Finite Verb Challenge!
Can you identify the finite verbs in these sentences?
- I run every morning.
- She writes beautiful poetry.
- They are sleeping peacefully.
Show Answers
- run (finite verb - present tense, first person)
- writes (finite verb - present tense, third person singular)
- are and sleeping (finite helping verb + main verb)
Examples of Finite Verbs in Sentences
- I run every morning before work. (Present, 1st person)
- She writes beautiful poetry. (Present, 3rd person singular)
- They are sleeping peacefully. (Present continuous, 3rd person plural)
- He has finished his homework. (Present perfect, 3rd person singular)
- We will travel to Europe next summer. (Future, 1st person plural)
- She loves chocolate ice cream. (Present, 3rd person singular)
- He knows the answer to that question. (Present, 3rd person singular)
- They arrived late to the meeting. (Past, 3rd person plural)
- I am studying for my exam. (Present continuous, 1st person)
- She becomes angry when stressed. (Present, 3rd person singular)
- He seems tired today. (Present, 3rd person singular)
- We have been waiting for hours. (Present perfect continuous, 1st person plural)
- They will be arriving tomorrow. (Future continuous, 3rd person plural)
- I think it's a good idea. (Present, 1st person)
- She appears confident in interviews. (Present, 3rd person singular)
Notice how each finite verb shows tense, person, and number agreement with the subject.
Finite Verbs vs Nonfinite Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Finite Verb | Nonfinite Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Tense | Shows tense (past, present, future) | No tense shown |
| Person | Shows person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) | No person shown |
| Number | Shows number (singular/plural) | No number shown |
| Function | Can be main verb | Cannot be main verb |
| Examples | I run, she runs, they ran | to run, running, run |
Finite verbs show grammatical information, while nonfinite verbs don't.
Special Rules and Notes
- Subject Agreement: Finite verbs must agree with their subjects in person and number (I run, she runs).
- Tense Expression: Finite verbs express when actions happen (present, past, future).
- Main Verb Function: Finite verbs can function as the main verb in a sentence.
- Helping Verb Support: Finite verbs can be supported by helping verbs to form complex tenses.
- Mood Expression: Finite verbs can express different moods (indicative, imperative, subjunctive).
- Voice: Finite verbs can be used in active or passive voice.
- Conjugation: Finite verbs change form to show tense, person, and number.
- Sentence Requirement: Every complete sentence must have at least one finite verb.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Finite Verb!
Which words are finite verbs in these sentences?
- I run every morning before work.
- She writes beautiful poetry.
- They are sleeping peacefully.
- He has finished his homework.
- We will travel to Europe next summer.
- She loves chocolate ice cream.
- He knows the answer to that question.
- They arrived late to the meeting.
Answers: run, writes, are/sleeping, has/finished, will/travel, loves, knows, arrived
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- I running. (Missing finite verb)
- She write yesterday. (Incorrect agreement)
- They have finish. (Incorrect finite verb form)
Show Corrected Sentences
- I am running. (Add finite helping verb)
- She wrote yesterday. (Use correct finite verb form)
- They have finished. (Use correct finite verb form)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a finite verb?
A finite verb is a verb that shows tense, person, and number. It is conjugated to agree with the subject and indicates when the action takes place. Finite verbs can function as the main verb in a sentence.
What are examples of finite verbs?
Examples include runs, ran, is running, has run, will run, am, are, was, were, have, has, had, do, does, did, and all conjugated forms of verbs that show tense and agreement.
How do finite verbs differ from nonfinite verbs?
Finite verbs show tense, person, and number (I run, she runs), while nonfinite verbs don't show these characteristics (to run, running, run). Finite verbs can be the main verb, nonfinite verbs cannot.
What are the characteristics of finite verbs?
Finite verbs show tense (past, present, future), person (first, second, third), and number (singular, plural). They agree with the subject and can function as the main verb in a sentence.
Can finite verbs be used in different tenses?
Yes, finite verbs can be used in all tenses - present (run, runs), past (ran), future (will run), perfect (has run), progressive (is running), and perfect progressive (has been running).
How do you test if a verb is finite?
Check if the verb changes form based on the subject and tense. Finite verbs change: "I run" vs "She runs" vs "They ran." Nonfinite verbs don't change in these ways.
What is subject-verb agreement with finite verbs?
Finite verbs must agree with their subjects in person and number. Singular subjects take singular verbs (He runs), plural subjects take plural verbs (They run).
Why are finite verbs important?
Finite verbs are essential for expressing when actions happen and who performs them. They provide the grammatical backbone of sentences and help us communicate time, person, and number clearly.
Conclusion
Understanding finite verbs is fundamental to mastering English grammar. These conjugated verbs are the heart of every sentence, expressing when actions happen and who performs them. Always remember that finite verbs show tense, person, and number, and they must agree with their subjects. Pay attention to how finite verbs change form to express different grammatical relationships. Practice identifying and using them correctly in your writing and speech. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to use finite verbs to express yourself clearly and effectively in English!