Why is the sentence finite? (He claims that he knows the answer.)

[Skyjan]

The question is about the sentence 'He claims that he knows the answer.' and requires the right answer. The answer is 'This sentence is finite.'

I don't understand.^^;

For example, Fred knows John knows Joe.
Jim knows Fred knows John knows Joe.
Pete knows Jim knows Fred knows John knows Joe.

Such sentences show the example of infinite sentences. (S->NP-VP(V-NP))

Also, how can I indicate the structure of the sentence, He claims ~, using NP, etc.?

[Sandy1]

when we have a finite verb the sentence is going to be finite the finite verbs are the carries of the tense they are normal verbs
but if we have nonfinite verbs so it is nonfinite sentence
and nonfinite verbs have three forms
1.infinitives:for example To walk
2.past participle:ed :walked
3.present participle:ing :walking
u can say walking is good for your health
I am not sure if this what you are asking about

[Jamie (K)]

A finite sentence is a clause that contains a finite verb, which is a verb that has tense. Both "claims" and "knows" are marked for present tense, so both clauses are finite.

The opposite of a finite clause is a non-finite clause. A non-finite clause has no tensed verb, which generally means its main verb is in the infinitive or subjunctive.

'He claims that he knows the answer.'
S[NP[PRO]][VP[V][S[Comp][NP[PRO]][VP[V][NP[Spec][N]]]]] if I'm not mistaken. I can draw the tree, but I'm bad with brackets.

[Rejidaniel03]

I am confused. What is going on here? Could somebody please explain it again?

Thanks in advance.

Reji.

[Jamie (K)]