Before going into the types of clauses i.e. finite and non-finite, let us define the clause. In general, anything that contains a verb is a clause. It may be a dependent one or an independent one. A complete sentence is an independent clause that stands by its own and makes proper sense. It has a verb with an object. However, a sentence that is subordinate to the main part of the sentence and is called a dependent clause. This clause will have no effect on the main sentence even if it is removed. It only adds some additional information to the sentence. Non-Finite clauses are generally subordinate clauses. We’ll discuss this in the upcoming portion.
Here are some examples for a better understanding:
- He ate the food. (It is an independent clause as it does not need any other subordinate part)
- While watching the TV, he ate the food. (In this example, “While watching the TV” depends on the main part of the sentence. Hence, it is a dependent clause)
A clause is further classified as a finite and non-finite clause.
What is a Finite Clause ?
A clause that has a finite verb to show the tense (present or past form) is called a finite clause. It may be the main or subordinate part of the whole sentence. You should be able to change the tense form of the verb from present to past or vice versa. To understand this concept, you need to know the finite verb.
A finite verb shows us two things about the action done. It tells that who is doing the action and when the action happened i.e. the tense form (present or past). The main thing is the tense of the verb used in the clause.
These clauses use the present or past tense of finite verb and so called as finite clause.
Here are some examples of the finite clauses:
- He is feeling sick after his long journey.
- The committee rejected his proposal.
What is a Non-Finite Clause ?
A non-finite clause is a clause (mostly subordinate) that has a non-tensed form of the verb. This clause tends to depict less information as compare to the main or finite clause. It can’t stand alone as a single sentence. The verb does not tell that when the action happened and who is doing it. There is no subject in a non-finite clause generally. However, some non-finite clauses have a subject.
Here is an example to better understand the nonfinite clause.
- I am very eager to meet you.
In this sentence, “to meet you” is a non-finite clause. How you can identify a non-finite clause? Look for the two things a finite verb tells us about the action done.
1) Does it tell about the time of doing the action like present or past? No, the verb “to meet” is infinite and thus has no tense.
2) Who is the subject performing the action? You can’t get a clue without the previous part of the sentence.
Concluding from the above points, “to meet you” is a non-finite clause in the given example.
Types of Non-Finite Clauses
There are three types of the non-finite clause based on the verb used in it. These are
1. To-infinitive Clause
In this type of non-finite clause, “to” comes before the verb.
- I’m here to get this job.
- I love to play video games.
2. Present Participle OR -ing Clause
The verb always ends with “-ing” in this type of clause.
- While driving the car, he picked up your call.
- We are very grateful to you for helping us.
3. Past Participle OR -ed Clause
In this clause, past participle form is used i.e. verb ends with -ed.
- You should’ve inquired him about the incident.
- Graduated as a gold medalist, she pursued her higher education abroad.