Finite verbs and nonfinite verbs are grammatical concepts frequently tested on the SAT, crucial for understanding sentence structure and identifying errors.
Finite Verbs Explained
Finite verbs, also known as main verbs or tensed verbs, indicate tense (past, present, future) and agree with the subject of the sentence in number (singular or plural). They are essential for forming independent clauses. A key characteristic is that they can stand alone as the main verb in a sentence.
- Tense: Shows when the action occurs (past, present, future).
- Agreement: Matches the subject in number (singular or plural).
- Independent Clause Core: Forms the main verb of an independent clause.
Examples:
- I eat pizza. (Present tense, singular subject)
- They ate pizza. (Past tense, plural subject)
- She will eat pizza. (Future tense, singular subject)
Nonfinite Verbs Explained
Nonfinite verbs, conversely, are not marked for tense and do not show agreement with a subject. They cannot function as the main verb of a sentence on their own and need a helping verb or function as another part of speech.
They appear in three forms:
- Infinitive: The base form of the verb, usually preceded by "to" (e.g., to eat, to run). Can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
- Participle: Can be present (-ing form, e.g., eating) or past (-ed/en form for regular verbs, e.g., eaten). Used as adjectives or to form continuous or perfect tenses.
- Gerund: The -ing form of a verb used as a noun (e.g., eating).
Examples:
- Infinitive: I like to eat. (to eat functions as a noun - the object of the verb "like")
- Participle: Eating quickly, he choked. (Eating is a present participle modifying "he")
- Gerund: Eating is my favorite hobby. (Eating is a gerund acting as the subject of the sentence.)
Finite vs. Nonfinite: Key Differences
| Feature | Finite Verb | Nonfinite Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Tense | Marked for tense (past, present, future) | Not marked for tense |
| Agreement | Agrees with the subject in number | Does not agree with the subject |
| Sentence Role | Main verb of an independent clause | Cannot be the main verb; functions as noun, adjective, adverb |
| Forms | Various tenses and forms (e.g., eats, ate, will eat) | Infinitive, Participle, Gerund |
Implications for the SAT
Understanding the distinction between finite and nonfinite verbs is crucial for identifying sentence errors, particularly subject-verb agreement errors and incorrect verb forms. The SAT often tests your ability to recognize whether a verb is used correctly in its context. Being able to determine whether a verb should be finite or nonfinite, and then whether it is in the correct form, is important.
