SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 8
SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 8
Finite clause is the clause whose main verb is finite verb, while non finite clause is a clause whose main verb is a non-finite. Examples of non-finite clause are as given below in italics;
- Present participle: Jane kept peter walking.
- Past participle: Jane had her pet walked every Wednesday.
- Infinitive: Jane would like for peter to walk.
Types of non finite clause
English has many types of non finite clause, and the classification of non finite clause depends on the various type of clause they modify. The common types of non finite clause are infinitive non- finite clause and Gerunds non- finite clause.
Both infinitive and gerund non finite clause modifies verb and can function as object and subject, the only difference is that it modifies also nouns, for example library is the best place to study. Infinitive clause modifies the word place. Infinitive relative clauses are also marked by to or for.to while the gerund non finite clauses are marked by suffix ing at the end of the verb.
The type of infinitive non finite clause that is marked by to is mostly used to express purpose, for example john went to Newyork to visit his uncle. And the other type of infinitive non infinite clause with forto are used with emotive words and phrases like, regrettable and tragedy; example in a sentence; it would be idiotic for you to surrender now.
Gerund non infinite clauses are mainly used in formal writing and only few people use them when talking, a good example of gerund non infinite clause in a sentence is; John regretted talking to Mary.
Free participle non finite clauses
Another type of non infinite clauses is free participle non finite clauses. They are marked by verbs that have suffix ing, but unlike gerunds they modify all clauses. Example;
Standing at the window, Mary noticed John.
Standing at the window indicates when Mary noticed john.
Reduced adverbial non finite clauses
These clauses are used to reduce full adverbial clause. For example while she was standing at the window can be reduced to while standing at the window.
Reduced relative non-finite clause
It is referred to as reduced relative non finite clause because it can be treated as reducing full relative clause. For example
The person reading a book did not hear my question
Who was reading the book is reduced to reading a book
Bare verb not- finite clause
Bare verb not-finite clause contains just a stem of a verb and has no suffix ing , to and forto. These types of clauses mainly modify a verb.
Example
We forced the student to attend the lectures.
Attend the lectures modifies the verb forced
Gerund non finite clause (type 2)
This type of gerund non- finite clause consist of the word with and a noun phrase plus an -ing form of a verb.
Example
Robbers boarded a bus with policemen running after them.
Running is an example of –ing form of a verb while the word in italics is the gerund non- finite clause.
In some situations a past participle word that end with ed can be used instead of -ing form of a bank.
Example
With the fund safely transferred to our swiss bank account, we can retire.
