Finite and Non-finite clauses

Question

Good morning, evening or night to everyone.

I have a question regarding finite and non-finite clauses:

In this sentence:

I want to find dead animals

Is it a finite or non-finite clause? There are finite and non-finite verbs, so, what is it?

In this simple sentence: I want you

It's easy to recognize it as a finite clause since there are one subject and a finite verb. However, in sentences such as: I might have been able to do it

Is it a finite or non-finite clause?

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Main (independent) clause: I want

Non-finite (infinitive) clause: to find dead animals

Main (independent) clause: I might have been able

Non-finite (infinitive) clause: to do it

CalifJim · Answer

ProdigyIn this sentence:I want to find dead animals
Is it a finite or non-finite clause?

It's two clauses.

I want | to find dead animals.

The non-finite clause is a complement of the finite verb 'want'.

ProdigyI might have been able to do it.
Is it a finite or non-finite clause?

I might have been able | to do it.

The analysis is the same as for the previous sentence. 'to do it' is a complement of the adjective 'able'.

This article might interest you:

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/about-words-clauses-and-sentences/clauses-finite-and-non-finite

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Hello Everyone

So what can we say is a simple sentence or a complex sentence since (to find dead animals) is a non finite clause which I believe is a subordinate clause (dependent clause)???

Thanks

Shalvin

Finite and Non-finite clauses

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