Abstract
English reference grammars mention finite dependent clauses as coexisting with non-finite clauses in the norm of the language. Since finite clauses can express the same syntactic functions as non-finite clauses, the choice of clause normally depends on the speaker´s/writer´s preference. This paper compares the treatment of finite/non-finite predication in some grammar reference books and presents the results of long-term diachronic research into syntactic functions of finite/non-finite clauses in academic English and the language of newspapers. The findings indicate that current users of the language seem to employ non-finite forms more frequently now than a hundred years ago. This trend is generally overlooked in the English normative grammars.
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