Non-Finite Clauses Study Notes

Non-Finite Clauses

Non-finite clauses are defined as clauses that contain non-finite verbs; these are verbs not marked for tense. They play various roles in sentences and can be categorized into three primary types:

  • Infinitive clauses
  • Present participle clauses (ending in -ing)
  • Past participle clauses (ending in -ed)

Types of Non-Finite Clauses

1. Infinitive Clauses
  • Defined as clauses that use the infinitive form of the verb, usually prefixed by 'to.'
  • Example:
    • To behave as she did is something unbelievable.
2. Present Participle Clauses
  • Defined as clauses that use the present participle form of the verb, typically ending in -ing.
  • Example:
    • Working hard is the key to success.
3. Past Participle Clauses
  • Defined as clauses that use the past participle form of the verb, typically ending in -ed or irregular forms.
  • Example:
    • Covered with confusion, he hurriedly left the room.

Classification According to Functions

Non-finite clauses can be classified based on their specific roles and functions in sentences, falling into the following categories:

  • Non-finite nominal clauses
  • Non-finite adjective clauses
  • Non-finite adverbial clauses
1. Reduced (Non-Finite) Nominal Clauses
  • These clauses serve the same functions as nouns in sentences, including as the subject, object, or complement.
  • Examples:
    • To expect a refund is unreasonable.
    • Role: Subject
    • I consider walking 3 km per day a key to good health.
    • Role: Object
    • The solution is making all the students participate in the project.
    • Role: Subject complement
    • All he ever does is complain to others.
    • Role: Subject complement
2. Reduced (Non-Finite) Adjective (Relative) Clauses
  • These clauses modify nouns within complex noun phrases and are built using participles without relative pronouns.
  • Examples:
    • There are two students who are waiting outside. (finite clause)
    • There are two students waiting outside. (reduced relative clause)
    • The strawberries which had been dipped in chocolate were really delicious. (finite clause)
    • The strawberries dipped in chocolate were really delicious. (reduced relative clause)
  • In negative reduced relative clauses, 'not' is placed before the participle:
    • I'd prefer shirts not made with polyester if you have any.
    • Friends not helping you in hard times are not real ones.
  • Infinitive and not participle clauses are often used after nouns that are preceded by ordinal adjectives, such as first, second, etc.:
    • Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon.
3. Reduced (Non-Finite) Adverbial Clauses
  • These clauses function as adverbials in a sentence.
  • A present participle used to form a reduced adverbial clause appears in the structure:
  • Examples:
    • When he looked outside, he saw the police car. (finite adverbial clause)
    • Looking outside, he saw the police car. (non-finite adverbial clause)
    • Having said that, I still hope he gets his degree.
  • For negative constructions, 'not' is placed before the present participle:
    • Because she did not feel very well, she sat down. (finite adverbial clause)
    • Not feeling very well, she sat down. (non-finite adverbial clause)
  • Note: Reduced adverbial clauses are also referred to as participle clauses and are frequently used in formal contexts.
  • Reduced adverbial clauses can also be created by using subordinating conjunctions (e.g., before and as if) combined with the present participle:
    • Before you leave, switch off the lights. (finite adverbial clause)
    • Before leaving, switch off the lights. (non-finite adverbial clause)
    • He stood there as if he was waiting for someone. (finite adverbial clause)
    • He stood there as if waiting for someone. (non-finite adverbial clause)
  • When subordinating conjunctions like although, though, when, or while are used with an adjective or a prepositional phrase, or with the past participle of a passive form, it is possible to omit the subject and the verb 'be':
    • Although (they are) small, terriers are tough.
    • Arnold studied Greek while (he was) at Oxford.
    • When (it is) seen from space, the earth is blue.
  • The past participle can sometimes be utilized without a conjunction:
    • Seen from space, the earth is blue.

Important Note

Reduced clauses are alternatively known as non-finite clauses, emphasizing their unique grammatical characteristics.

References

  • Aarts, B., Chalker, S., & Weiner, E. (1993). Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar, Oxford: OUP.
  • Yule, G. (2006). Oxford Practice Grammar, China: OUP.
  • Foley, M. D., & Hall, D. (2012). My Grammar Lab, China: Pearson Education Limited.