FINITE AND NON-FINITE VERBS
Finite and Non-Finite Verbs 1. Finite Verbs A finite verb is a verb that has a subject and shows inflections. A finite verb shows tense (past/present), number (singular/plural) and person (I, you, it etc.). It is often the main verb of a sentence and can be changed according to the subject. For example : · He promised me to send a letter. (Here, promised act as the main verb in the sentence; therefore, it is in its finite form.) · The promised letter never arrived. (Here, promised does not act as a verb. It merely describes the letter. The main verb of this sentence is arrived.) Finite Verbs are those verbs that have a definite relation with the subject or noun. These verbs are usually the main verb of a clause or sentence and can be changed according to the noun. They are used only in present and past tense. They can be indicative of passive or active voice and also of number (singular or plural). For example :