Final answer:
The finite verb is the main action verb in the sentence, while the infinitive verb typically starts with 'to' and serves as a noun, adjective, or adverb in the sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the sentences provided, the finite verb is the main verb that agrees with the subject and represents a complete action, while the infinitive verb starts with 'to' and is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb within the sentence. Let's look at the provided examples:
a. In the sentence 'They tried to find the way to the hotel,' 'tried' is the finite verb as it shows the action performed by the subject 'They.' The phrase 'to find' is an infinitive verb functioning as an adverb, indicating the purpose of 'tried.'
b. 'He gave me a chair to sit on.' Here, 'gave' is the finite verb since it is the main action done by 'He,' and 'to sit' is the infinitive verb, acting as an adverb describing the purpose of the chair.
c. 'I want to buy some clothes.' In this sentence, 'want' is the finite verb because it shows the desire of the subject 'I,' while 'to buy' is the infinitive verb expressing what the subject wants to do.
When identifying sentence components such as subjects, verbs, and phrases, understanding the distinction between finite and infinitive verbs is crucial for accurate sentence structure and meaning.