A finite verb anchors a finite clause. It usually carries tense and, in forms that change with the subject, marks agreement. In Mina writes every day, writes is finite. It marks the present tense and agrees with Mina.
Find the finite verb in a group
- A verb on its own. In Mina wrote yesterday, wrote is the finite verb and marks the past.
- A verb group with an auxiliary. In Mina has been writing, the first auxiliary, has, is finite. Been and writing are nonfinite forms.
- A modal. In Mina can write, can is the finite verb. Write is a bare infinitive. Modal verbs such as can use the same form with she and they.
Finite verbs and nonfinite forms
In Mina hopes to write tonight, hopes is the finite verb in the main clause. The infinitive to write has no tense marking of its own. In Mina hoped to write that night, the tense changes on hoped.
