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Finiteness of Modal verbs

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Latest post Tue, Jan 6 2009 4:17 AM by CalifJim. 1 replies.
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ChrisD  +  631696 Mon, 05 Jan 09 09:06 PM
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.
ChrisD
Joined on Thu, Dec 4 2008
England
New Member 12
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CalifJim  +  632002 Tue, 06 Jan 09 04:17 AM
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.

Geeked

CJ
CalifJim
Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member 22,389
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
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