LoginFinite Clauses
In this lesson we learn about finite clauses, which are essential groups of words that contain a subject and a verb that agrees with the subject and expresses a complete thought. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Finite Clauses?
Finite clauses include an explicit or implied subject as well as a finite verb, that is, a verb that shows tense and agrees with the subject in number and person. These clauses can be dependent or independent.
Finite Clauses: Types
Finite clauses can be divided into two main categories:
Indicative Finite Clauses
Non-indicative Finite Clauses
Indicative Finite Clauses
These are clauses that state facts or opinions or ask for information. The verb in indicative finite clauses can take a variety of tenses:
Simple | Continuous | Perfect | Perfect Continuous | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Past | ||||
Present | ||||
Future |
Indicative finite clauses include the following types:
Independent Clauses
All independent clauses are finite. The have a subject and a conjugated verb and express a complete thought. For example:
I saw him in the alley.
They like ice cream.
That-clauses
That-clauses are usually introduced by 'that' followed by the subject and the verb. They function as nouns and can be used as subjects, objects, and complements.
She said that she would come.
That-clause used as object of the verb "say"
The truth is that he never left the country.
That-clause as subject complement
That she passed the exam surprised everyone.
That-clause used as subject
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns, relative adverbs, or relative determiners, and provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence. Accordingly, they act as adjectives. Here are some examples:
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
"who lives next door" uses a relative pronoun and modifies the noun "the woman".
The hotel where we stayed was very luxurious.
"where we stayed" uses a relative adverb and modifies the noun "the hotel"
The boy whose bike was stolen is crying.
"whose bike was stolen" uses a relative determiner and modifies the noun "the boy"
Nominal Relative Clauses
Nominal relative clauses are also formed using relative pronouns, adverbs, or determiners, but unlike relative clauses, they act as nouns rather than modifying a noun. As nouns, they can function as subject, objects, and subject and object complements. Look at the examples:
I know where we can find him.
"where we can find him" acts as the object of the verb "know"
What you do is none of my concern.
"what you do" is a nominal relative clause acting as subject of the sentence
This is why we can't leave the door unlocked.
"why we can't leave the door unlocked" acts as the subject complement.
You can call me what you want.
"what you want" acts as the object complement
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses are introduced by a subordinating conjunction, such as "because", "although", "while", etc. They function as adverbs in the sentence, providing information about reasons, causes, timing, etc. For example:
He stayed home because he was sick.
He didn't complain, even though he was tired.
I will call you when I get home.
Non-indicative Finite Clauses
Non-indicative finite clauses do not express facts or make statements; rather, they give instructions or requests or make suggestions and hypotheses. These clauses include the following types:
Imperative Clauses
Imperatives are a type of independent finite clause used to give orders, instructions, or make requests. These clauses do not have a stated subject. The subject is implied and understood to be "you". Furthermore, their verb is always in the base form.
Sit down!
Open the door!
Subjunctive Clauses
The subjunctive mood is used to express desires and doubts or make suggestions. When used to give suggestions or show necessity, the subjunctive clause uses the present tense, and when it expresses wishes or unlikely situations, it uses the past tense. For example:
It is important that he be on time.
Present subjunctive expressing necessity
I suggest that she go to the meeting.
Present subjunctive giving suggestion
I wish I were smarter.
Past subjunctive expressing a desire
Conditionals Clauses
Conditional clauses talk about a condition that must be met for something else to happen. They can express real condition or hypothetical and unreal scenarios in the present, past, or future. Look at the examples:
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay home.
If I were rich, I would travel the world.
If I had known, I would have helped.
Finite vs. Non-finite Clauses
The table below shows the differences between finite and non-finite clauses. As you can see, finite clauses contain subjects, can take auxiliary and modal verbs, can form both negative and interrogative forms and show mood and tense, and can be independent or dependent, while non-finite forms are always dependent, without any subject, mood, or tense and cannot take auxiliary and modals verbs or form questions.
Finite Clause | Non-finite Clause | |
|---|---|---|
Subject | ✔ | ✘ |
Auxiliary and modal | ✔ | ✘ |
Interrogative form | ✔ | ✘ |
Negative form | ✔ | ✔ |
Show mood | ✔ | ✘ |
Show tense | ✔ | ✘ |
Independent | ✔ | ✘ |
Dependent | ✔ | ✔ |
Quiz:
Which of the following is an example of an indicative finite clause?
They believe that the project will succeed.
Please close the window.
If I had more time, I would read more books.
Running in the park is refreshing.
Which of the following sentences contains a subjunctive clause?
She suggested that he take a break.
The hotel where we stayed was amazing.
I will call you when I arrive.
Don’t forget to lock the door.
Match the type of finite clause with the correct example.
Complete the sentences with the correct word or phrase from the options provided:
The teacher suggested that the students
(study/studies/studying) for the exam.
The book
(who/that/where) I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
If I
(was/were/had been) you, I would take the job offer.
She stayed home
(because/although/when) she was feeling unwell.
(What/Who/Where) you decide to do is entirely up to you.
Complete the table below by identifying whether each clause is indicative or non-indicative.
She believes that he is honest. | |
If I were you, I would take the job. | |
Please turn off the lights. | |
The fact is that she never arrived. | |
He stayed home because he was tired. | |
I suggest that he study harder. |
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