Verb clusters typically lead to clause splitting, i.e. the splitting of the embedded verbal projection of the main verb by the matrix verb, which results in the verbs grouping together in clause-final position. This is shown in (2) for cases with a finite non-main verb; the split clause is italicized and the verb cluster is underlined.

In the earlier literature on verb clustering, it is often taken for granted that clause splitting is sufficient to conclude that we are dealing with verb clustering. However, things are clearly more complex, since Section 5.2.2.3 has already shown that clause splitting can occur not only as a result of verb clustering, but also as a result of another process called remnant extraposition, as shown in (3) with a finite form of the main verb bewerento claim. Since the linear order of the verbs in the examples in (2) and (3) does not tell us whether we are dealing with verb clustering or remnant extraposition, Section 7.1.1 briefly summarizes some findings of Section 5.2.2.3 in order to clarify the diagnostics for distinguishing between the two processes.

Another factor that complicates the discussion of verb clustering is that non-finite verb forms can undergo morphological conversion to other categories. Section 6.2.3 has shown that in certain constructions past/passive participles and te-infinitives exhibit adjectival rather than verbal behavior, and Section 5.2.3 has shown that bare infinitives can appear not only as verbs but also as nominalizations. Failure to take these facts into account obscures the regularities underlying the linear word orders we find in verb clusters, and for this reason Section 7.1.2 will briefly discuss the means of excluding these apparent verbs from the discussion.