3 Things to Know About Finite and Nonfinite Verb Phrases

1) Finite verb phrases show contrast in the meaning expressed by the verb. For example, they show contrast in:

a) Tense - He plays football. / He played football.

b) Number and Person - He plays. / They play. / I am. / You are.

c) Allow the expression of facts, possibilities, wishes, and other contrasts of mood - He asked the car to be moved. / It was moved.

2) If there is a series of verbs in the verb phrase, the finite verb is always the first. For example:
I was being paid. / They have been asked.

3) Nonfinite forms do not express contrasts of tense, number, person, or mood. They stay the same in clause regardless of any grammatical variation which may be taking place alongside them. There are three nonfinite forms in the verb:

a) The -ing participle - I'm going. / They're going. / He was going. / Going home, I/we/they felt concerned.

b) The -ed participle - I've asked. / He was asked. / They were asked. / Asked to come early, I/you/we arrived at 3.

c) The base form used as an infinitive - They might see. / I'll see. / He wants to see.

3 Things to Know About the Adverbial Element in a Clause

1) An adverb usually adds information about the situation, such as the time of an action or its frequency. 

2) The adverbial is different from other elements in several respects.

a) There can be several instances in one clause. For example:

I arrived via plane / on Wednesday / in the sun / wearing flip flops / eating chips / .....

b) Adverbials are most common at the end of a clause, but they can be used is several possible positions. For example:

(Twice) he (twice) asked me (twice).

c) Adverbials express a wide range of meanings, such as manner, space, and time. For example:

Fred remained quietly / at the library / all day.

                       (manner) (space)          (time)

d) Adverbials perform several roles in a clause.

i) Adding information - He ran quickly.

ii) Linking clauses together - The plane was full, however, I found a seat.

iii) Some comment about what is being expressed - Frankly, I think you look ridiculous. 

e) When adverbials relate specifically to the meaning of the verb, they are said to MODIFY the verb. 

3) Several things can be adverbs.

a) Adverb phrases - They ran quickly. 

b) Prepositional phrases - We cartwheeled through the garden.  

c) Nouns and noun phrases - That boy rang my bell today.

d) Some subordinate clauses - The women screamed when they saw the monster.