The finite verb

Finite verbs can give us information about three things:
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• Primary tense - whether the event or happening is in the past, the present or the future.
• Polarity - whether the proposition/statement presented in the clause is positive or negative (is or is not, will or will not).
• The speaker/writer's judgement about the proposition - must, might, can, should.

When doing language analysis, it is IMPERATIVE that you can ​identify the finite verb in any single clause.

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Apply your understanding!  Identify the finite and non-finite verbs in each sentence. Click here to check your understanding.

1.    He gave me a chair to sit.
2.    It was a sight to see.
3.    I want to buy some clothes.
4.    Barking dogs seldom bite.
5.    He is about to leave.

​6.    It is time to start.
7.    He was wearing a torn shirt.
8.    He had his shoes polished.
9.    They got the roof repaired.
10.    Finding the door open I went inside.

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How will knowing the finite verb help me?