The verb with tense is known as ‘finite verb’ and the clause that has a finite verb is known as ‘finite clause’. In the same way, the verb that has ‘no’ tense is known as non-finite verb [leading] and the clause is called ‘non-finite clause’.

Non-finite clause depends on the finite clause for its tense.

Leading the movement, :Non-finite clause

Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Prize:Finite clause

We should note that a non-finite clause has no subject, and we only can decide the tense of a non-finite clause from the finite clause.


A. Underline the non-finite clauses in the following sentences.

1. Born in London, he became the citizen of U.K.
2. Having done his homework, he went out to play.
3. Recognized by his boss, he got an appreciation letter.
4. Encouraged by his father, Ravi got distinction in his final examination.
5. With the tree grown tall, we get more shade.
6. We left the room and went home to search for the books.
7. Do we have the money to buy that car?
8. We were not able to get away until now.
9. Having read the book, I returned it to the library.
10. Jumping on his horse, the farmer rode to the market.
B. Observe how the following sentences have been rewritten to include nonfinite clauses.

1.Vincent Van Gogh, who was born in Holland in 1853, is one of the world's most famous painters.

Born in Holland in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world's famous painters.

2.Although his talent was unrecognized throughout his life, it was much appreciated after his death.

Non-finite clauses

page no:175


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