Finite Verbs Definition and Example

In English grammar, finite verbs are essential to building clear and correct sentences. They help express actions and connect the subject to what is happening in a sentence. Simply put, a finite verb shows what the subject is doing and when. If you’re learning English or just want to brush up on your grammar, understanding finite verb examples is the key to writing and speaking more confidently. In this article, we’ll walk you through what finite verbs are, give you lots of examples, and help you spot them easily in any sentence. Let’s get started!

Definition of Finite Verb

A finite verb is a verb that shows action or a state of being and changes depending on the subject and the time of the action. This means it “agrees” with the subject and shows when the action happens—whether in the past, present, or future. For example, in the sentence “He eats lunch,” “eats” is the finite verb. It agrees with the subject “he” and shows that the action is happening right now, in the present.

In contrast, non-finite verbs don’t change with the subject or tense. For example, in the sentence “He is eating,” “eating” is non-finite because it doesn’t change. By recognizing finite verbs, you can make your sentences clear and grammatically correct. They tell us exactly who is doing what, and when it happens.

20 Examples of Finite Verbs

1. She writes in her notebook.
2. I read books every day.
3. They play outside after school.
4. He ran to catch the bus.
5. We are learning English.
6. The dog barks loudly.
7. I was tired yesterday.
8. We will go to the park tomorrow.
9. She sang a beautiful song.
10. My brother plays the piano.
11. The children are eating their lunch.
12. He jumped over the puddle.
13. We will see the movie soon.
14. They have finished their homework.
15. I studied for the test.
16. The teacher explained the lesson well.
17. She is reading a story.
18. The birds fly in the sky.
19. We went on a field trip yesterday.
20. He does his chores every weekend.

Check Your Understanding of Finite Verbs

Let’s see if you can find the finite verbs in these sentences. Read carefully!

1. The cat sleeps on the couch.
2. I am eating lunch.
3. We will sing at the concert.
4. She danced all evening.
5. They have played the game.

Can you spot the finite verbs? The answers are “sleeps,” “am eating,” “will sing,” “danced,” and “have played.”

FAQs

1. What are finite verbs in simple words?

Finite verbs are action words in a sentence that change to match the subject and show when something happens. For example, in the sentence “She runs,” “runs” is the finite verb. It matches the subject “she” and tells us what she is doing in the present tense. Finite verbs are essential because they make the sentence complete and clear.

2. Can a sentence have more than one finite verb?

Yes, a sentence can have more than one finite verb. For example, in the sentence “She eats breakfast and then goes to school,” both “eats” and “goes” are finite verbs. Each one agrees with the subject “she” and tells us what action is happening at different times. Sentences can have multiple actions, each with its own finite verb.

3. What is the difference between finite and non-finite verbs?

Finite verbs change according to the subject and the time of the action. For example, in the sentence “He runs fast,” “runs” is a finite verb because it matches the subject “he” and shows the present action. Non-finite verbs, like “running” or “to run,” do not change with the subject and do not show when the action is happening. They need help from finite verbs to make complete sentences.

4. Can finite verbs be in the past or future tense?

Yes, finite verbs can be in the past, present, or future tense. For example, “He ran yesterday” uses the past tense, while “She will play tomorrow” uses the future tense. The key thing to remember is that finite verbs change depending on the subject and the time the action happens.

5. How do you identify a finite verb in a sentence?

To find a finite verb, look at the action word and check if it changes with the subject. A finite verb will match the subject and show when the action happens. For example, in “They are playing,” “are playing” is the finite verb. It shows that the action is happening right now and matches the subject “they.”

 

Summary

Finite verbs are the backbone of sentences in English. They show the action or state of being and adjust based on the subject and tense. Understanding how finite verbs work will help you create grammatically correct sentences and communicate more clearly. Whether you’re using simple sentences like “He runs” or more complex ones like “She has been reading,” finite verbs make sure your message is clear and precise. By practicing with finite verb examples, you’ll feel more confident in your writing and speaking. Keep practicing, and soon it will feel like second nature!