Finite vs Non-Finite clause

Finite Clauses

Independent or dependent

Contains subject

Contains finite verbs (person/number/tense)

Example :

James owns a car. (Independent finite clause)

I visited the mall that Sarah built (two dependent finite clause)

Non – Finite Clause Dependent/Subordinate clause

Have different forms :1. Bare infinitive (walk)2. To infinitive (to walk)3. -ing participle (walking)4. -ed participle (walked)

Verbs doesn’t carry tense

May/may not contain subject

Cannot stand alone (dependent)

Example :

1. I asked him to do that

2. Having done that, I went home

3. I went to the house that jack built

Tense / Agreement

Finite clause

1. She eats most of the time.

2. They fed the dogs milk

Non – finite clause

1. David loves (to play the piano).

2. We made (David play the piano).

3. Written in 1994,( it soon became a classic)

Subjectless Non-finite clause

1. Driving to work this morning, Carl saw an accident.

2. Dissapointed with his quality, the boss decided to fire him.

3. Harry applied to five different schools in order to get one.