Finite Verb: Meaning, Definition, Usage, and Examples

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 In every language, communication is facilitated through well-constructed sentences. As learners of the English language, we are familiar with the rule that a complete sentence requires a subject and a verb. While there are exceptions, such as imperative sentences where the subject may be implied, verbs remain essential. Verbs are categorized into two main types: finite verbs and non-finite verbs, based on their function in a sentence. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into finite verbs, their definitions, usage, and examples.


📖 Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Finite Verb?
  2. Definition of a Finite Verb
  3. How to Use Finite Verbs in Sentences
  4. Examples of Finite Verbs
  5. 20 Common Examples of Finite Verbs
  6. Check Your Understanding of Finite Verbs
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

🌟 What Is a Finite Verb?

A finite verb is the main verb in a sentence that reflects the primary action or state of the subject. These verbs are influenced by the tense, number, and person of the subject and are essential for forming complete sentences. Finite verbs can exist in an independent clause or verb phrase, allowing the clause to stand alone as a complete thought.


📘 Definition of a Finite Verb

🔹 Oxford Learners’ Dictionary:
“A finite verb form or clause shows a particular tense, person, and number.”

🔹 Collins Dictionary:
“A finite verb is a verb form that distinguishes person, number, tense, and mood or aspect, such as ‘opens’ in She opens the door.”

🔹 Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
“A finite verb is a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or the initial element of a clause and is limited (as in tense, person, and number).”


🔍 How to Use Finite Verbs in Sentences

When using finite verbs, consider the following rules:

  1. Subject Agreement
    A finite verb must agree with the subject in person and number.

  2. Tense Appropriateness
    Finite verbs convey the action's timing through tenses (past, present, or future).

  3. Independent Clauses
    A finite verb allows a clause to function independently.

  4. Conjugation
    Conjugate finite verbs according to the sentence's context.

RuleExplanationExample
Subject-Verb AgreementMatches the subject in number/person.She writes every day.
Tense AlignmentIndicates when the action occurs.They played soccer yesterday.
Clause IndependenceForms standalone clauses.He is late.
Accurate ConjugationAdapts to context and tense.am reading a book.

📝 Examples of Finite Verbs

Here are examples illustrating the use of finite verbs:

  1. Reena reached home after 7 p.m.

    • The verb reached is conjugated to match the subject and indicate past tense.
  2. Henry likes to read adventure novels.

    • Likes is in the third-person singular form, showing agreement with the subject Henry.
  3. We had all the South Indian delicacies at the wedding.

    • The verb had is in the past tense, functioning as the finite verb.
  4. Do you know how to draw an elephant?

    • Know is in the simple present tense, working as the finite verb.
  5. My child likes singing Hindi songs.

    • Here, likes is the finite verb indicating the child’s preference.

🔢 20 Common Examples of Finite Verbs

SentenceFinite Verb
like ice cream.Like
Kimmy lives in Spain.Lives
We work at the Plaza.Work
Teena needs some money.Needs
Mario plays video games.Plays
Lintu cooked pasta for breakfast.Cooked
My dad rides a bike.Rides
have coffee in the morning.Have
We walked through the forest.Walked
The boys stood by the park.Stood
Little Tom enjoyed the ride.Enjoyed
Titus saw an aeroplane.Saw
listen to songs all the time.Listen
Henry thanked Jerry for the cake.Thanked
The dog ran away.Ran
Rory took a photo of his room.Took
Xan lost her cell phone.Lost
Ozy is an actor.Is
The auto stopped abruptly.Stopped
bought new shoes for the trip.Bought

🧠 Check Your Understanding of Finite Verbs

Identify the finite verbs in the following sentences:

  1. The teacher is late to class.
  2. The auto stopped abruptly.
  3. bought a new pair of shoes for the trip.
  4. My brother loved the movie.
  5. finished the household chores.
  6. The plate is empty.
  7. Can you try to lift it one more time?
  8. Did you read all the chapters of this book?
  9. My phone worked properly after the repair.
  10. took a photo of the flowers in my garden.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a finite verb?

A finite verb is the main verb in a sentence that denotes the primary action or state. It reflects tense, person, and number.

Q2: What are the key definitions of finite verbs?

  • Oxford: Shows tense, person, and number.
  • Collins: Differentiates tense, person, number, mood, and aspect.
  • Merriam-Webster: Functions as a predicate or main clause element.

Q3: How are finite verbs used?

Finite verbs require subject agreement, appropriate tense, and conjugation to match the context.

Q4: Can you provide examples of finite verbs?

Sure! Examples include writesplayedis, and know.

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