Finite Verb: Usage, Types, Examples, and Practice Questions

Finite Verbs: Verbs are one of the most important elements of a sentence, as they show the action or state of being. In the context of grammar, verbs can be classified into finite and non-finite verbs. While non-finite verbs do not change according to the subject or tense, finite verbs are those that do show tense and are directly affected by the subject. Understanding finite verbs is crucial for mastering sentence construction, as they form the core of any complete sentence.

Non-Finite Verbs

What is a Finite Verb?

A finite verb is a verb that shows tense (past, present, future) and agrees with the subject in number (singular/plural) and person (first, second, third). It is the main verb of the sentence and often expresses the action or state of being that the subject is performing or experiencing. In simple terms, finite verbs change form based on the subject and time of action.

Examples of finite verbs:

• She runs every morning.
• They played football yesterday.
• I am studying for the test.

In these examples:

• "runs" changes according to the subject "she" and is in the present tense.
• "played" agrees with the subject "they" and is in the past tense.
• "am" matches the subject "I" and indicates a present continuous action.

Proverbs 

How Are Finite Verbs Used in Sentences?

Simple Present Tense

Simple Past Tense

Present Perfect Tense

Future Tense

Action Verbs

Types of Finite Verbs

Regular Verbs

• Walk → Walked → Walked (I walk to school every day. Yesterday, I walked to school.)
• Wait → Waited → Waited (He waits for the bus. Last week, he waited for hours.)

Irregular Verbs

• Eat → Ate → Eaten (She eats lunch every day. Yesterday, she ate pasta. She has eaten sushi before.)
• Sing → Sang → Sung (They sing in the choir. Last night, they sang beautifully. They have sung together for years.)

Modal Verbs

• She may attend the party. (Modal verb "may" expresses possibility.)
• He must finish his homework. (Modal verb "must" conveys obligation.)
• They can swim well. (Modal verb "can" indicates ability.)

Linking Verbs

Stative Verbs

Tips to Use Finite Verbs in Sentence

Finite Verbs Practice Questions

Here are some practice questions to help you test your understanding of finite verbs. These questions cover identifying finite verbs, using them correctly in sentences, and differentiating between finite and non-finite verbs.

1. Identify the finite verb in the following sentence:

"The children play in the park every day."

a) children
b) play
c) park
d) every

2. Choose the correct finite verb to complete the sentence:

"She ____ to school every morning."

a) goes
b) go
c) gone
d) going

3. Select the sentence that contains a finite verb:

a) He reading a book in the garden.
b) She was running fast.
c) Running is fun for me.
d) They to swim every weekend.

4. Identify the finite verb in the following sentence:

"I have finished my homework."

a) have
b) finished
c) homework
d) I

5. Choose the correct finite verb in the sentence:

"They will arrive at 5 PM."

a) arrive
b) will
c) at
d) 5

6. Fill in the blank with the correct finite verb:

"She ____ the guitar beautifully."

a) play
b) playing
c) plays
d) played

7. Identify the finite verb in the sentence:

"The teacher is explaining the lesson."

a) teacher
b) is
c) explaining
d) lesson

8. Choose the correct finite verb to complete the sentence:

"We ____ our friends at the party last night."

a) meet
b) meeting
c) meets
d) met

9. Find the finite verb in the following sentence:

"I have been studying all day."

a) I
b) studying
c) have
d) been

10. Select the sentence with a finite verb:

a) She is to play the piano.
b) They had been eating lunch.
c) They swimming in the pool.
d) The teacher talking to the students.

11. Identify the finite verb:

"He would go to the store if he had time."

a) would
b) go
c) had
d) time

12. Fill in the blank with the correct finite verb:

"I ____ to the store later."

a) will go
b) going
c) gone
d) goes

13. Choose the finite verb in the following sentence:

"They were watching a movie when I called."

a) were
b) watching
c) movie
d) called

14. Select the correct finite verb for the sentence:

"I ____ my keys at home this morning."

a) leave
b) leaving
c) left
d) leaves

15. Fill in the blank with the correct finite verb:

"My parents ____ to visit us next week."

a) plans
b) plan
c) planning
d) planned

Answer Key:

1. b) play

2. a) goes

3. b) She was running fast.

4. b) finished

5. b) will

6. c) plays

7. b) is

8. d) met

9. c) have

10. b) They had been eating lunch.

11. a) would

12. a) will go

13. a) were

14. c) left

15. b) plan

Difference Between Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

1. Finite Verbs:

   • Show tense.
   • Agree with the subject in person and number.
   • Can stand alone as the main verb of a sentence.

2. Non-Finite Verbs:

   • Do not show tense or agree with the subject.
   • Cannot stand alone as the main verb; they usually function as part of a verb phrase.
   • Types include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.

For example:

• Finite: "She works hard every day." (Finite verb "works" shows tense and agreement with the subject "she")
• Non-Finite: "She loves to work hard." (Non-finite verb "to work" does not show tense or agreement)