11. Finite and non-finite forms of the verb. The category of finitude.

Finite and non-finite forms of a verb are distinctions based on whether the verb carries specific information about the subject, tense, and number. These forms play a crucial role in constructing sentences and conveying meaning. The category of finitude is a grammatical concept related to the finite form of a verb.

### Finite Forms of the Verb:

1. **Definition:**

- Finite forms of a verb indicate specific information about the subject, tense, and sometimes number. They are used in main clauses and contribute to the overall grammatical structure of a sentence.

2. **Characteristics:**

- Finite verbs change their form based on the grammatical features of the subject, such as person (first, second, or third), number (singular or plural), and tense (past, present, future).

3. **Examples:**

- "She walks to the store." (Present tense, third person singular)

- "We will go to the party." (Future tense, first person plural)

- "They played tennis yesterday." (Past tense, third person plural)

### Non-finite Forms of the Verb:

1. **Definition:**

- Non-finite forms of a verb do not convey specific information about the subject, tense, or number. They are not constrained by the grammatical features of the subject and are often used in subordinate clauses or as complements.

2. **Characteristics:**

- Non-finite verbs include infinitives, gerunds, and participles. They are not conjugated based on the subject and have a more general or abstract quality.

3. **Examples:**

- **Infinitive:** "To walk is healthy."

- **Gerund:** "Walking is healthy."

- **Present Participle:** "She enjoys walking in the park."

- **Past Participle:** "The book, written by an expert, is informative."

### Category of Finitude:

1. **Definition:**

- The category of finitude is concerned with whether a verb form is finite or non-finite. Finite verbs are crucial for constructing complete sentences with subject-verb agreement, whereas non-finite verbs serve different functions in sentence structures.

2. **Role in Sentence Structure:**

- Finite verbs anchor the main structure of a sentence, providing information about when the action occurs and who is performing it. Non-finite verbs are often used to add detail, provide additional information, or express actions in a more general sense.

3. **Grammatical Importance:**

- Finitude is a grammatically significant feature because it helps determine the syntactic role of a verb in a sentence. Finite verbs are essential for constructing grammatically complete statements, questions, or commands.

Understanding the difference between finite and non-finite forms of a verb, as well as the concept of finitude, is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences in English.

12. Periodization of the history of the English language.

The history of the English language is typically divided into different periods based on linguistic, historical, and cultural developments. These periods help scholars and linguists study the evolution of the language over time. The periodization of the history of English includes:

1. **Old English (450-1150 AD):**

- Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, developed after the Anglo-Saxon migration to Britain in the 5th century. The language was heavily influenced by Germanic languages and underwent significant changes during this period. Notable works from this time include "Beowulf."

2. **Middle English (1150-1500 AD):**

- The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought French influences to England, leading to the development of Middle English. This period saw the merging of Old English and Norman French, resulting in linguistic changes. The works of Geoffrey Chaucer, including "The Canterbury Tales," are notable from this period.

3. **Early Modern English (1500-1700 AD):**

- The Early Modern English period was marked by the Great Vowel Shift, changes in grammar, and the standardization of the language. The printing press played a crucial role in disseminating written works. William Shakespeare's plays, written in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, are exemplary of Early Modern English.

4. **Late Modern English (1700-1900 AD):**

- The Late Modern English period witnessed further standardization and the development of dictionaries and grammatical rules. The Industrial Revolution and colonial expansion influenced the language. The works of writers like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens are representative of this period.

5. **Contemporary English (1900-Present):**

- The Contemporary English period is characterized by ongoing changes influenced by technology, globalization, and cultural shifts. The language continues to evolve, with new words and expressions constantly emerging. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen the widespread influence of American English, especially through media and technology.

It's important to note that these periods are not strictly defined, and there are transitional phases between them. The division of the history of English into these periods helps scholars analyze linguistic changes, cultural influences, and the development of the language over time. Additionally, the study of historical periods provides insights into the factors shaping English as we know it today.