## Identifying finite verbs 

Finite verbs must show tense . They can be past, present or future and are always connected to a noun or pronoun. Look at the following examples: 

Yesterday she was very unhappy. (past tense) 

He plays the piano very well. (present tense) 

Tomorrow I will go to London. (future tense) 

A finite verb can consist of more than one word. Each sentence must contain at least one finite verb. 

## Looking at transitive and intransitive verbs 

Transitive verbs are those which take an object: 

‘Hedge’ is the object so the verb is transitive. 

Intransitive verbs do not take an object: 

There is no object so the verb is intransitive. 

He trimmed the hedge. 

She dances beautifully. 

Some verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively. 

He wrote a letter. (transitive: ‘letter’ is the object) 

She writes exquisitely. (intransitive: there is no object) 

