We hate Grammar terms (1): finite and nonfinite verbs

Summary: This post is about how to make sentences with reference to finite and Non-finite Verbs.  As the idea of finite verbs do not exist in some languages (for example, Asian Languages), I attempt to explain it in a funny way:  a crash of two cars (verbs).   In a way, this post attempts to change the way you think about verbs, sentences, and of course, English.   




Do you know what the sentence means?

Our company decided cut our market share.

Yes, I think it is easy to understand the sentence. But read it again now, focusing closely on the two verbs:

Our company decided cut our market share.

Is there anything wrong with the two verbs coming together? If you think there is nothing wrong with the sentence, read on. If you think there is something wrong, read on too (as you’re going to know why it is wrong).

First of all, the sentence should be corrected: Our company decided to cut our market share.  However, what is ‘to cut’? Is it the same as ‘cut’?  And the bigger question is: Why is it wrong to put two verbs together?

What’s Wrong with Two Verbs Coming Together?

There is nothing wrong with two verbs coming together, if you are not dealing wtih English. In English, the sentence ‘Our company planned cut our market share’ is absolutely wrong.  But why is it wrong? Why can’t we put two verbs together? Is it a sin?

In English, there is a hidden rule that most verbs should not be followed directly by another verb. But again, why? Before you know the answer, you have to take your car key with you. (You don’t have a car, me too. So borrow one.) Cos you are going to drive on a street, the Street of English. So have you fastened your seat belt? 

A Crash of Two Cars (Verbs)

You may imagine that a sentence is like a one-way street and verbs are like cars. What happens if two cars from opposite directions running to each other at full speed?  The following diagram expresses the idea well, right?

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planned---------------> < --------------cut
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(The Street of English)


So to prevent any car accident (crash) from happening, you have to do something about it. What to do? You add ‘to’ between ‘planned’ and ‘cut’: 'planned + to cut'.                                                                   



In grammar terms, the verb ‘planned’ is finite but ‘to cut’ is non-finite. In other words, the first verb in a sentence is finite and the second is non-finite. So next time when you drive on the Street of English, watch out for finite and non-finite verbs.