Finite verbs are verb forms that show tense and can agree with a subject in person and number. Their rules govern how they function in a sentence.
Here are the key rules governing finite verbs:
-
Agreement with the Subject: A finite verb must agree with its subject in both person and number. This is crucial for grammatical correctness.
- Person: First person (I, we), second person (you), and third person (he, she, it, they).
- Number: Singular or plural.
Example:
- Incorrect: I is going.
- Correct: I am going. (First-person singular agreement)
- Incorrect: They is going.
- Correct: They are going. (Third-person plural agreement)
-
Tense Marking: Finite verbs indicate the time frame of the action or state they describe. This is achieved through different verb forms (conjugations).
- Examples include present tense, past tense, and future tense.
Example:
- Present Tense: She sings beautifully.
- Past Tense: She sang beautifully.
- Future Tense: She will sing beautifully.
-
Independent Clause Requirement: A finite verb can serve as the main verb of an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone as a sentence). Non-finite verbs (infinitives, gerunds, participles) cannot do this.
Example:
- Finite Verb: The dog barked. (This is a complete sentence)
- Non-Finite Verb: Barking, the dog ran away. (This is not a complete sentence on its own; "Barking" is a participle.)
-
Conjugation: Finite verbs undergo conjugation, changing their form depending on the subject and tense. Non-finite verbs do not conjugate.
Example:
| Person | Present Tense (to sing) | Past Tense (to sing) |
|---|---|---|
| I | sing | sang |
| You | sing | sang |
| He/She/It | sings | sang |
| We | sing | sang |
| They | sing | sang |
In summary, finite verbs are essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. They demonstrate agreement with the subject in person and number, indicate tense, and can function as the main verb in an independent clause. These characteristics distinguish them from non-finite verb forms.
