Syntax: Finiteness 1.1

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This exercise is designed to help you distinguish between finite clauses, in which the verb is inflected for tense, and non-finite clauses in which there is no such inflection. For each sentence, decide whether the italicized clause is finite or non-finite. If you would like more material dealing with this subject, go to our syntax tutorials and read "Finiteness and Verbal Clauses".

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Question 1

Professor Doe wondered whether his students completed their homework.

A	non-finite Hint: 'whether his students completed their homework’ is finite due to the fact that the verb 'completed' is inflected for past tense. This can be tested by altering the tense. Professor Doe wondered whether his students ‘will complete’ their homework. The tense can be changed showing that the verb is finite.
B	finite

Question 2

I wonder if cavemen ate asparagus.

A	non-finite Hint: ‘if cavemen ate asparagus’ is finite due to the fact that ‘ate’ is inflected for past tense. This can be tested by altering the inflection of the verb. I wonder if cavemen ‘had eaten’ asparagus. Since we can change the tense of the verb, we know it is finite.
B	finite

Question 3

I know that you love syntax.

A	non-finite Hint: ‘that you love syntax’ is finite due to the fact that the verb 'love' is inflected for present tense. This can be tested by changing the tense of the verb. I know that you loved syntax. The ability to inflect the verb for past tense demonstrates that the verb is finite.
B	finite

Question 4

Jane said that Tarzan loves chocolate cake.

A	finite
B	non-finite Hint: 'that Tarzan loves chocolate cake' is finite due to the fact that the verb 'loves' is in the present tense.

Question 5

For the astronauts to walk on the moon is amazing.

A	non-finite
B	finite Hint: ‘to walk on the moon’ is infinite since the verb 'walk' is not inflected for tense. This can be tested by changing the tense. *For the astronauts ‘walked’ on the moon is amazing. Since the tense cannot be altered, the verb is infinite.

Question 6

The Martians asked if they could land in New York City.

A	non-finite Hint: ‘if they could land in New York City’ is finite due to the fact that the modal 'could' is used with the verb 'land' which shows tense/mood.
B	finite

Question 7

I think too many sharks inhabit the ocean.

A	finite
B	non-finite Hint: 'too many sharks inhabit the ocean’ is finite due to the fact that the verb ‘inhabit’ is inflected for present tense. This can be tested by changing the tense of the verb. I think too many sharks ‘inhabited’ the ocean. Since the tense can be altered, the verb is finite.

Question 8

Harry wants to go to Paris in the spring.

A	non-finite
B	finite Hint: ‘to go to Paris in the spring’ is non-finite since 'to go' is not tensed. You can test this by trying to change the tense of the verb. *Harry wants 'went' to Paris in the spring. The fact that the tense cannot be altered shows that the verb is not inflected for tense.

Question 9

She never knew him to cry.

A	finite Hint: ‘to cry’ is non-finite. This can be tested by trying to change the tense of the verb. *She never knew him ‘cries’. If the verb was inflected for tense, then the tense could be altered. Since it cannot, we know that the verb is non-finite.
B	non-finite

Question 10

My neighbor does not like my grass to be overgrown.

A	non-finite
B	finite Hint: ‘my grass to be overgrown’ is non-finite since the verb 'be' is not inflected for tense. This can be tested by altering the tense of the verb. *My neighbor does not like my grass 'was' overgrown. The tense cannot be altered thus the verb is non-finite.

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Syntax: Finiteness 1.1

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