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Finit Non Finit
Finit Non Finit
To speak in class is difficult for some children but not for Charlie.
He raises his hand constantly and loves to participate in class
discussions. In fact, speaking in class is what he does best. He does his
homework and is very well prepared. Prepared students excel in class.
Also, students encouraged by their teachers do well. Charlie is doing
well in kindergarten.
Sometimes Charlie talks a little too much. He dislikes sitting
quietly. The teacher reminds him to share the discussion time. Other
students are quiet and may think that they don't have anything
important to say. However, the teacher values the opinions of all the
students; she helps quiet students (to) speak out more confidently.
FINITE CLAUSE
A finite clause includes a primary verb — a verb that can be inflected
for tense, person and sometimes number — and includes a subject. A
finite clause can stand alone as an independent clause (a sentence), or it
can serve as a coordinate clause, a subordinate clause, or a
supplementary clause.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
Charlie raises his hand constantly.
This is called the "main clause" or "matrix clause".
NONFINITE CLAUSES
A nonfinite clause includes a secondary verb — a verb not inflected for
tense, person or number (e.g., infinitival, gerundial or past participial
verb form) — and occasionally a subject (e.g., his, him for). A nonfinite
clause is a dependent clause, which can serve as a subject, a
verbal complement, a prepositional complemment, or a noun
complement.
SUBJECT
To [speak in class] is encouraged.
[Speaking in class] is encouraged.
For him to [speak in class] requires self-confidence. (w/subject)
VERBAL COMPLEMENT
He loves to [participate].
He dislikes [sitting quietly].
The teacher encourages his [participating in discussions].
(w/subject)
PREPOSITIONAL COMPLEMENT
Charlie smiled after [answering the question].
Charlie is used to [answering questions].
Charlie is interested in [hearing the answers].
NOUN COMPLEMENT
[Prepared] students excel in class. (pre-position modifier)
Students [encouraged by their teachers] do well. (post-position
modifier)
Charlie is prepared. (complement to "be" or a stative verb)