Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this topic, students will be able to

1. understand that clauses can be classified as either finite or non-finite

2. understand that the finiteness of a clause is determined by its main verb: a finite clause contains a conjugated verb whereas the main verb in a nonfinite clause does not change its form

3. recognize whether a clause is finite or nonfinite

4. recognize three different types of nonfinite clauses: the present participle, past participle, infinitive (to-infinitive, bare infinitive)

A finite clause contains a finite (tensed/conjugated) verb.

1) She gives both dogs a back rub. (gives - present tense/3rd person singular form)

2) She gave both dogs a back rub. (gave - past tense)

3) She should give both dogs a back rub.* (should give, modal verb cancels out the tense, but still considered a finite sentence)

A non-finite clause contains a non-finite (without tense/unconjugated) verb.

Non-finite clauses can be restored to a longer finite clause by adding its subject and auxiliary verb. However, for the sake of concision, the non-finite version is preferred.

3) {Holding the hairdryer in her left hand}, Susan cut her hair with the scissors in her right hand.

(holding = nonfinite present participle; contrast with 'is/was holding' which is the present/past progressive form)

{While Susan was holding the hairdryer in her left hand}, she cut her hair with the scissors in her right hand.

4). Blown to the right by the hairdryer, the hair could easily be cut.

(blown = nonfinite past participle ; contrast with 'is/was blown' which is the present/past passive voice form)

{When the hair is blown to the right by the hairdryer}, it could easily be cut.

5) {To be or not to be} | is the question. (to be = nonfinite infinitive)

{Whether one chooses to be or not to be} is the question. (chooses - present simple)

Types of analysis in finite and nonfinite clauses:

Finite clauses Nonfinite clauses

Tense yes (with modal verbs as an exception) NA

Aspect yes yes

Voice yes yes

Valency pattern yes yes

A Gerunds is a present participle verb functioning as a noun.

e.g., Seeing | is believing.

gerund: Subj. gerund: SC

Functions of Finite & Non-finite Clauses:

You can watch this Youtube video to learn more about finite and nonfinite clauses.