Q. What is a finite verb, and how does it function in a sentence?
Finite Verb
A finite verb is a verb that provides essential information about tense, subject agreement, and number (singular or plural) in a sentence.
It acts as the main verb in a clause and can stand alone to form a complete sentence or thought. Finite verbs are responsible for showing when (tense) the action or state occurs and matching the subject of the sentence in person (first, second, or third) and number (singular or plural).
Examples
He runs fast.
Finite Verb: runs (Present tense, third person singular)
She played soccer.
Finite: played (Past tense, third person singular)
They will travel next week.
Finite : will travel (Future tense, third person plural)
I go to work.
Finite: go (Present tense, first person singular)
We are excited.
Finite: are (Present tense, first-person plural)
Quick Tips
Finite verbs often stand alone as the main verb in a sentence, providing a complete idea by showing tense and subject agreement.
A finite verb can be a single word or part of a verb phrase with helping verbs, but only the helping verb (like is, have, will) carries tense and subject agreement.
Compound Verbs
A compound verb includes a finite part (the first auxiliary or helping verb) that shows the tense and agrees with the subject.
The other parts of the verb phrase are non-finite forms (either in base form or participle form) and do not change based on the subject or tense.
Examples
She will be visiting her grandmother soon.
The finite part ‘will’ indicates future tense, while “be visiting” remains non-finite and describes the action of visiting.
We are planning a big surprise party.
The finite part ‘are’ shows present tense and agrees with “we,” while “planning” is non-finite and describes the activity.
They had been working on the project for weeks.
The finite part ‘had’ is in the past perfect tense, while “been working” is non-finite and explains the ongoing work.
John was hoping to join the team.
The finite part ‘was’ shows past tense and agrees with “John,” while “hoping” is non-finite and explains his wish to join.
Quick Tips
In a compound verb, the first auxiliary verb (the finite part) shows the tense and agrees with the subject.
The other parts of the verb phrase are in base or participle form and add more meaning without changing the tense.
Finite and Non-Finite Forms of “Be”
The verb “be” is unique because it has both finite and non-finite forms, each serving different grammatical roles in sentences.
1- Finite Forms of “Be”
The finite forms of “be” are “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” and “were.” These forms:
Show tense: They change based on when the action or state happens (present or past).
Agree with the subject: They match the subject’s person (first, second, or third) and number (singular or plural).
Because of these properties, finite forms of “be” can act as the main verb in a sentence, providing a clear, complete idea by themselves.
Examples
She is happy.
Finite Form: is (Present tense, third person singular; agrees with “she”)
They were studying.
Finite Form: were (Past tense, third person plural; agrees with “they”)
I am a teacher.
Finite Form: am (Present tense, first person singular; agrees with “I”)
In each case, the finite form of “be” changes based on the subject and tense, making it essential for the sentence to make sense independently.
2- Non-Finite Forms of “Be”
The non-finite forms of “be” are “being” and “been.” These forms:
Do not show tense: They don’t indicate when an action occurs and don’t change based on the time.
Don’t agree with the subject: Unlike finite verbs, they don’t change to match the subject in person or number.
Instead, non-finite forms of “be” are used as part of verb phrases and often rely on auxiliary (helping) verbs like “is,” “was,” “has,” or “had” to form different tenses or aspects (such as continuous or perfect tenses).
They cannot stand alone as the main verb to complete a sentence.
Examples
Being late, she missed the bus.
Non-Finite Form: being (Used here to show cause; doesn’t indicate tense or match the subject)
He has been working hard.
Non-Finite Form: been (Combined with “has” to create the present perfect continuous tense)
They had been waiting for hours.
Non-Finite Form: been (Combined with “had” to form the past perfect continuous tense)
In these examples, “being” and “been” don’t carry tense alone. Instead, they work with other auxiliary verbs to form complex verb phrases that convey the action’s timing and aspect.
Modal Auxiliary Verbs as Finite Verbs
Modal auxiliary verbs (such as can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, and must) are considered finite verbs because they carry tense or modality (possibility, necessity, permission).
Although modal verbs do not change form based on the subject or tense (they remain the same for all subjects), they still function as finite verbs because they establish the mood and tense context for the sentence.
How Modals Act as Finite Verbs
In sentences, the modal auxiliary verb is typically the first verb in a verb phrase and acts as the finite verb, while any verbs following it are in non-finite forms, such as the base form or participles.
Examples
She can sing beautifully.
Finite Verb: can (modal auxiliary expressing ability)
Non-Finite Verb: “sing” (bare infinitive that does not carry tense)
They might arrive late.
Finite: might (modal auxiliary showing possibility)
Non-Finite Verb: “arrive” (bare infinitive that doesn’t indicate tense)
He must complete his work on time.
Finite: must (modal auxiliary expressing necessity)
Non-Finite Verb: “complete” (bare infinitive that remains non-finite)
Modal verbs don’t need “to” to create an infinitive; they pair directly with the bare infinitive (the base form of the verb). Because they provide specific information about mood, ability, necessity, permission, or possibility.
We should consider all options.
Finite: should (modal auxiliary suggesting recommendation)
Non-Finite Verb: “consider” (bare infinitive that doesn’t carry tense)
It is common to have more than one finite verb in a sentence. Remember that the main verb in any sentence will always be finite, so there will always be at least one finite verb present.
He went to the store, but he forgot his wallet.
Finite Verb: went (past tense, showing completed action)
Finite Verb: forgot (past tense, showing another completed action)
Quick Tips
Modal verbs do not change with the subject (“I can,” “she can,” “they can”) or with tense, but they set the tense and mood of the sentence.
When modal auxiliary verbs are present, they act as the finite verbs in the sentence, while any following verbs are non-finite.
