If you’re learning English or simply trying to improve your grammar skills, understanding finite verbs is essential. A finite verb is a verb that has a subject and expresses tense, mood, or person. In other words, it’s a verb that can stand alone as a sentence.
In this article, we’ll provide you with 50 examples of finite verbs in sentences, as well as some helpful explanations and tips for using them correctly in your writing. Whether you’re a student, a professional writer, or simply someone who wants to improve their English, this guide is for you.
What is a Finite Verb?
Before we dive into examples, it’s important to understand what a finite verb is. As we mentioned earlier, a finite verb is a verb that has a subject and expresses tense, mood, or person. In other words, it’s a verb that can stand alone as a sentence.
50 Examples of Finite Verbs in Sentences:
- She sings beautifully.
- He writes novels in his spare time.
- The dog barks loudly.
- I am studying for my exam.
- They have eaten all the pizza.
- The sun sets in the west.
- She is running late for her meeting.
- We will travel to Europe next year.
- He has completed his homework.
- The teacher explains the lesson clearly.
- They are playing soccer in the park.
- The baby cries when she is hungry.
- We visited the museum last weekend.
- He studies hard for his tests.
- The movie starts at 7 pm.
- She loves to dance ballet.
- They have finished their work.
- The cat chases the mouse around the house.
- He drinks coffee every morning.
- The storm caused damage to the house.
- She writes a letter to her friend every week.
- They are learning to speak French.
- The train arrives at the station on time.
- I have cooked dinner for us.
- He enjoys playing the guitar.
- She reads a book before going to bed.
- We are watching a movie tonight.
- The flowers bloom in the spring.
- They have bought a new car.
- The computer crashes frequently.
- She teaches English to high school students.
- We will go on vacation next month.
- He has lost his keys again.
- The bird sings a beautiful song.
- They are painting the walls of the room.
- The river flows into the ocean.
- She works hard to achieve her goals.
- We have cleaned the house thoroughly.
- The sun rises in the east.
- He practices basketball every day.
- She listens to music while doing her homework.
- They have won the championship.
- The car runs on gasoline.
- I am enjoying my book.
- He fixes the broken machine.
- She takes a nap after lunch.
- We go to the gym three times a week.
- The restaurant serves delicious food.
- They are studying for their final exams.
- The clock strikes midnight.
Types of Finite Verbs:
There are several types of finite verbs, including:
- Present tense verbs – these verbs express actions that are happening now or on a regular basis. Example: I walk to work every day.
- Past tense verbs – these verbs express actions that have already happened. Example: She watched a movie last night.
- Future tense verbs – these verbs express actions that will happen in the future. Example: They will go on vacation next month.
- Present perfect tense verbs – these verbs express actions that started in the past and continue into the present. Example: We have been friends for years.
- Past perfect tense verbs – these verbs express actions that were completed before a certain point in the past. Example: He had finished his homework before he went to bed.
- Future perfect tense verbs – these verbs express actions that will be completed at a specific point in the future. Example: They will have graduated from college by the time they are 22.
Tips for Using Finite Verbs Correctly:
- Make sure the verb agrees with the subject. Example: The dog barks loudly (not bark).
- Use the correct tense for the context of the sentence. Example: I am going to the store (not I was going).
- Pay attention to verb tense consistency in your writing. Example: She runs every day and also enjoys hiking (not runs and enjoyed).
- Use modal verbs (such as should, could, would, might, etc.) to express possibility, ability, or obligation. Example: You should visit that museum (not you visit).
- Be mindful of irregular verbs and their past tense forms. Example: I swim in the pool (present tense) and I swam in the pool (past tense).
- Use active voice instead of passive voice when possible. Example: She wrote the letter (active) rather than The letter was written by her (passive).
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using non-finite verbs as the main verb in a sentence. Example: To eat pizza is my favorite thing (incorrect) vs. My favorite thing is eating pizza (correct).
- Confusing subject-verb agreement. Example: The team play well (incorrect) vs. The team plays well (correct).
- Using the wrong tense for the context of the sentence. Example: I was seeing a movie last night (incorrect) vs. I watched a movie last night (correct).
- Overusing passive voice. Example: The book was read by me (passive) vs. I read the book (active).
FAQs about Finite Verbs:
- What is a non-finite verb? Non-finite verbs do not have a subject or express tense, mood, or person. Examples include infinitives (to + verb) and gerunds (verb + -ing).
- What is the difference between a finite verb and a non-finite verb? A finite verb has a subject and expresses tense, mood, or person, while a non-finite verb does not have a subject or express tense, mood, or person.
- Can a finite verb be used as a non-finite verb? Yes, a finite verb can be used as a non-finite verb in certain contexts, such as when it is used as an infinitive or a gerund.
Conclusion:
Understanding finite verbs is an important aspect of mastering English grammar. By studying the 50 examples of finite verbs in sentences provided in this article, you can gain a better understanding of how to use them correctly in your writing. Remember to pay attention to subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and active voice, and to avoid common mistakes such as using non-finite verbs as the main verb in a sentence. With practice and dedication, you can improve your grammar skills and become a more confident and effective writer.