finite verb

[ fahy-nahyt vurb ]

noun

, Grammar.

1. a verb form that distinguishes person, number, and tense, as well as mood or aspect: in She works from home, the verb works indicates a third-person singular subject ( she ), present tense, and indicative mood, the mood used for ordinary statements and questions about facts. Compare infinitive ( def 1a ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of finite verb¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

(a) The nominative, as in Modern English, is the case of the subject of a finite verb.

From Project Gutenberg

When “that” signifies “in order that,” the ordinary finite verb is used after it.

From Project Gutenberg

It is difficult to convey the force of the infinitives in combination with participles and the finite verb in ver.

From Project Gutenberg

It should not, strictly speaking, be rendered with a finite verb.

From Project Gutenberg

Using these as auxiliaries the finite verb makes a whole series of periphrastic tenses.

From Project Gutenberg