20 Examples of Finite Verb With Meaning and Usage

In English grammar, finite verbs are the main part of any clause and serve as the backbone of sentence construction. They indicate tense, person, and number, meaning they change form depending on when the action takes place and who performs it. For example, in the sentence “She runs every morning,” the word “runs” is a finite verb because it changes form if we modify the subject or tense for instance, “They run every morning.”

This shows how finite verbs adapt to express time and agreement with the subject. Unlike non finite verbs such as to go, going, or gone, which do not show tense or subject agreement, finite verbs clearly define the timing and performer of an action. Understanding finite verbs is essential for mastering English grammar, as they help create complete, meaningful sentences that communicate precise actions and times.

What Is a Finite Verb?

A finite verb is one that:

1. Shows tense (past, present, or future)
2. Agrees with the subject (singular or plural)
3. Can function as the main verb in a sentence

Examples:

• She eats an apple. ✅ (finite)
• She to eat an apple. ❌ (non-finite)

Also Read: Stative verbs in English

Structure of Finite Verbs

Element	Description	Example
Subject Agreement	The verb changes based on the subject.	He runs / They run
Tense	Shows time of action.	She walked / She walks
Main Verb Role	Can stand alone in a sentence.	They play cricket.

20 Examples of Finite Verb in Sentences

No.	Sentence	Finite Verb	Tense	Subject
1	She writes a letter.	writes	Present	She
2	They play football.	play	Present	They
3	He drank the milk.	drank	Past	He
4	We are reading a novel.	are reading	Present Continuous	We
5	I went to school.	went	Past	I
6	She is dancing beautifully.	is dancing	Present Continuous	She
7	The dog barked loudly.	barked	Past	The dog
8	He runs fast.	runs	Present	He
9	You study well.	study	Present	You
10	They will travel tomorrow.	will travel	Future	They
11	The baby cried last night.	cried	Past	The baby
12	We have finished our work.	have finished	Present Perfect	We
13	The teacher teaches English.	teaches	Present	The teacher
14	Birds fly in the sky.	fly	Present	Birds
15	She has gone to market.	has gone	Present Perfect	She
16	He was watching TV.	was watching	Past Continuous	He
17	I will call you later.	will call	Future	I
18	They were singing together.	were singing	Past Continuous	They
19	The sun rises in the east.	rises	Present	The sun
20	We cooked dinner yesterday.	cooked	Past	We

Difference Between Finite and Non-Finite Verbs

Feature	Finite Verb	Non-Finite Verb
Shows Tense	✅ Yes	❌ No
Changes with Subject	✅ Yes	❌ No
Acts as Main Verb	✅ Yes	❌ No
Example	She plays piano.	Playing piano is fun.

Example:

• Finite: He eats breakfast every day.
• Non finite: Eating breakfast is healthy.

How to Identify a Finite Verb

To find a finite verb in a sentence, ask:

• Does this word show tense?
• Does it change form if I change the subject?

Example:

• He drives to work. → “drives” (finite)
• To drive is easy. → “to drive” (non-finite)

Common Types of Finite Verbs

1. Action Verbs: express physical or mental action (e.g., run, think, jump)
2. Linking Verbs: connect the subject to a complement (e.g., am, is, are)
3. Auxiliary Verbs: help main verbs express tense or mood (e.g., have, will, be)

Also Read: Helping verbs

Practice Exercise

Identify the finite verbs in the following sentences:

1. The boy is playing in the park.
2. They have eaten lunch.
3. She was reading a storybook.
4. I like ice cream.
5. We will visit London soon.

(Answers: is playing, have eaten, was reading, like, will visit)

Conclusion:

Finite verbs bring action, time, and structure to English sentences. They adapt according to tense and subject, making your grammar clear and precise. Understanding finite verbs not only helps you write better but also improves your speaking skills.

By mastering these 20 examples of finite verbs, you’ll confidently recognize how verbs change form the foundation of fluent English grammar.

FAQ 20 Examples of Finite Verb