0
ChrisD Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Finiteness of Modal verbs
I have it written in my notes, at different intervals, that all modal verbs are non-finite, and at another time that they are all finite. Which one is it?
I thought they were all finite, only to be contradicted by my notes earlier today.
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Chris.
I thought they were all finite, only to be contradicted by my notes earlier today.
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Chris.
Top answer
The non-finite forms are the infinitive (to go), the participles (going, gone), and the gerund (going). Since there are no such forms as, for example, to should, shoulding, or shoulden, then we can only conclude that all modals are finite. CJ
- The non-finite forms are the infinitive (to go), the participles (going, gone), and the gerund (going).
- Since there are no such forms as, for example, to should, shoulding, or shoulden, then we can only conclude that all modals are finite.
- CJ
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
1 Answers
0
The non-finite forms are the infinitive (to go), the participles (going, gone), and the gerund (going).
Since there are no such forms as, for example, to should, shoulding, or shoulden, then we can only conclude that all modals are finite.
Since there are no such forms as, for example, to should, shoulding, or shoulden, then we can only conclude that all modals are finite.
0
Related Questions