What's a clause?
A clause is a part of a sentence. It is also a group of words with a verb, that means something. |
What's a finite clause?
Example: I had something to eat before I left.
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What's a non-finite clause?
Example: I had something to eat before leaving.
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"To" form: Infinitive
In this clause, the verb comes after the base form (infinitive). Often answers "why?".
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"-ing" form: Present participle clause
In this clause, the verb ending in -ing is used. (No auxiliary, no subject)
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"-ed" form: Past participle clause
In this clause, the verb ending in -ed is used. (No auxiliary, no subject)
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Non-finite examples (paired with a finite clause):
I had something to eat before leaving. Warning his neighbour, he had locked the door carefully. Warned by his neighbour, he had locked the door carefully. Locking the door carefully, he left. To gain wisdom, we must always continue learning. Trained to support blind people, guide dogs work very hard. |
Finite examples:
I had something to eat before I left. He had warned his neighbour and he had locked the door carefully. We must always continue learning so that we can gain wisdom. Guide dogs are trained to support blind people and they work very hard. |
Simple past tense: -ed
He warned his neighbour. How you can tell?
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Perfect tense: -ed
He had warned his neighbour. How you can tell?
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Continuous tense: -ing
He was warning his neighbour regularly. How you can tell?
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Non-finite clause:
Warned by his neighbour, he locked the door carefully. Warning his neighbour, he locked the door carefully. How you can tell?
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Non-finite & no auxiliary: ✓
A non-finite should NOT have a helper verb. ✓ I had something to eat before leaving. (Non-finite) ✓ He was the only one capable of saving the world. (Non-finite) |
Finite & auxiliary: ✓
The continuous or perfect tense should have a helper verb. ✓ I was leaving. (Continuous) ✓ I am leaving. (Continuous) ✓ I was saving it for later. (Continuous) ✓ I am saving my money. (Continuous) |
Non-finite & auxiliary: X
A non-finite should NOT have a helper verb - it does not make sense! X I had something to eat before I was leaving. X I had something to eat before I am leaving. X He was the only one capable of he is saving the world. X He was the only one capable of is saving the world. |