Finite verb
Definition
A finite verb is marked for tense or includes a finite modal, and it anchors a clause to a grammatical time or modality. It may also show agreement with the subject.
Examples
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She works from home.
Works is finite because it carries present tense and agrees with she.
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They might arrive later.
The modal might is the finite element of the verb phrase.
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The team has finished.
Has is finite; finished is a non-finite past participle inside the verb phrase.
Finite vs. non-finite verb forms
Mina works every Saturday.
Works carries tense and subject agreement.
Mina hopes to work abroad.
To work does not carry the clause's tense by itself.
A finite element anchors the clause. Infinitives, -ing forms and past participles are non-finite unless they occur with a finite auxiliary.
A verb phrase can contain several forms but only one finite position
In a multi-word verb phrase, the first auxiliary or modal is normally finite. The remaining verb forms are non-finite.
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She has been working all morning.
Has is finite; been and working are non-finite.
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They will have arrived by noon.
The modal will is finite; have and arrived are non-finite.
Common mistakes
He can works from home.
He can work from home.
The modal can is finite, so the following verb remains in the base form.
Working late every evening.
She works late every evening.
A standalone statement normally needs a finite verb; working alone is non-finite.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which word is the finite element in She has been waiting?
Has carries tense and agreement. The other verb forms are non-finite.Which sentence contains a finite modal?
Might is a finite modal that anchors the clause.Which sentence has a complete finite clause?
Closed is a finite past-tense verb.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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