Talk:Finite verb

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[edit] Definition

Why does the definition of finite verb in the first sentence include person as a defining characteristic? By definition, finite seems to concern tense. Most IE languages, among others, also happen to have person/number features for finite verbs, but this does not seem to me to be a defining characteristic. --jonsafari 22:40, 20 May 2006 (UTC)

I agree with and wish to elaborate on Jonsafari's objection. The definition unwitting centres on features of certain languages, namely those that inflect verbs in a certain way; whereas the notion of finititude is more general. What we need instead is a functional definition of finite verb.

To give a concrete example: Chinese does not inflect verbs for tense, person, etc.; yet we would all still feel comfortable saying that Chinese uses finite verbs and (with a suitable grasp of vocabulary) would experience no difficulties identifying finite verbs in a Chinese text.

--Philopedia 22:44, 10 October 2006 (UTC)