Revised as of
28 Jan 2023
The difference between a finite clause and a non-finite clause is time, which is expressed via verb tense.
Finite Clause
The finite uses verb tenses in the past or present tense, which is how time is indicated.
Non-Finite Clause
With a non-finite clause, the idea of time comes from the context of the independent clause — a non-finite clause generally modifies the main verb (the finite) and is part of a dependent clause. It will never be the primary verb by itself, but may act more like a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Think of verbs that are without a past or future tense, such as laughing, dying, jiggling, running, to fly, to hover, to play, to hand over, tired, slept, woke, etc.
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| Finite or Non-Finite Clauses | |||||
| Definition: A clause which is created using a finite verb or a non-finite verb. | |||||
| Finite Clause | Definition: Contains a finite verb which shows tense — present or past — and can be used in independent clauses or dependent clauses. Verbs that follow a finite clause will be non-finite. | ||||
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Legend:
Is it snowing yet? Henry called yesterday. Since the team lost the match, the coach resigned. We didn’t get any food because we didn’t have enough time. |
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| Non-Finite Clause | Definition: Contains a non-finite verb which does not show tense, as the time is inferred from the context of the independent clause. | ||||
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Rule: It may function more like a noun, adjective, or adverb and cannot be the primary verb by itself, primarily because it does not have mood, tense, number, aspect, or person.
Rule: It is generally used only in a dependent clause. Rule: Not really a rule, more of a usually. Uses a non-finite clause when the subject in the dependent clause is the same as the subject in the independent clause. |
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Legend:
I had something to eat before leaving. After having spent six hours at the hospital, they eventually came home. Helped by local volunteers, staff at the museum have spent many years sorting and cataloguing more than 100,000 photographs. He left the party and went home, not having anyone to talk to. The person to ask about going to New Zealand is Beck. You have to look at the picture really carefully in order to see all the detail. |
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| Noun Phrase | Rule: A non-finite clause can function as a post-modifier to a head noun | ||||
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Legend:
The letter for you to type is on your desk. |
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| Participial Clause | Rule: Uses a non-finite clause as a verb complement with an -ed or -ing participle. | ||||
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Legend:
I don’t enjoy playing tennis in the rain. Janey hates pulling weeds. Tired from studying all afternoon, she went for a walk. Opening the book slowly and tentatively, she began to read. Margaret wanted to marry James. Leaving home can be very traumatic. |
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| Relative Clause | Rule: When the subject of the relative clause is the same as the subject of the independent clause, the relative clause can be non-finite. | ||||
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Legend:
The man sitting on the sofa over there is Simon’s brother. Don’t forget to fill in the form attached to the letter. |
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| Verbal Complement | Rule: Uses a non-finite clause as a verb complement with a to + infinitive or a bare infinitive (no to) giving meaning to the main verb. | ||||
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Legend:
I’d hate to travel to London every day. I love to play with my friends. Mary wants to sew her new dress. |
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| With Subordinating Conjunctions | Rule: Non-finite clauses are often used after subordinating conjunctions. | ||||
| List of Relevant Subordinating Conjunctions | |||||
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| Examples: | |||||
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Legend:
By the end of the day, although exhausted, Mark did not feel quite as tired as he had in the past. The proposal, if accepted by Parliament, will mean fundamental changes to the education system. The movie, after it had been out for a while, became a blockbuster. |
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Resources for Finite or Non-Finite Clauses
“Clauses: Finite and Non-Finite.” English Grammar Today. Cambridge Dictionary. n.d. Web. n.d. <https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/clauses-finite-and-non-finite>.
“GRMR 2 – Clause Analysis.” CampusGate. 2011. Web. n.d. <https://www.campusgate.in/2011/10/grmr-2-clause-analysis.html>.
“Nonfinite.” Georgia State University. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www2.gsu.edu/~eslhpb/grammar/lecture_9/nonfinite.html>.
“What is a Clause?” English Grammar Language Guide. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.english-language-grammar-guide.com/clause.html>.
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Now that I have a clue as to what I’m doing, I can’t find the these images so I can credit their creators. Anyone who does have a clue, please let me know.
