LoginNon-finite Clauses
In this lesson we learn about non-finite clauses, which are essential groups of words that contain a verb form that does not show tense and do not act as the main verb in a sentence. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Non-finite Clauses?
Non-finite clauses are clauses that do not have a finite verb, meaning they are not limited by tense and do not contain a subject. They are dependent clauses that do not express a complete thought and cannot function as a sentence on their own.
Non-finite Clauses: Characteristics
Non-finite clauses are dependent clauses, also known as embedded clauses, which means they cannot express a complete idea on their own. Although they look like verbs, they do not act as verbs in sentences, but as nouns, adjectives, complement, or adverbs. These clauses have no subject and do not show tense, which is why they are called non-finite. Take a look at some examples:
I wanted to clean the room.
In this example, "to clean the room" does not have a complete meaning on its own.
They asked if it would be a problem to drink.
In this example, the whole sentence is in the past tense, but the clause "to drink" has no tense.
He helped take the car out of the parking lot.
The clause "take the car out of the parking lot" has no subject.
The girl crying out loud is my classmate.
A non-finite clause can act as an adjective.
Non-finite Clauses: Types
Non-finite clauses come in different types, but they are all made up of non-finite verbs. The different types of non-finite clauses include:
To-infinitives
To-infinitive clauses can serve as nouns, adjectives, complements or as adverbs of purpose, intention, or obligation in a sentence. Here are a few examples:
I bought a present for you to apologize.
to-infinitive clause as an adverb
I want to make you the happiest woman ever.
to-infinitive clause as the object of the verb
The point is to solve it not to break it.
to-infinitive clause as subject complement
The book to read is on the shelf.
to-infinitive clause as adjective
Bare Infinitives
A bare infinitive can be used as the object of specific prepositions as well as some verbs to indicate that someone caused or helped to do something. Here are some examples:
They helped clean the house.
object of verb
I couldn't help but cry at the sight of the burning building.
object of preposition
Present Participle
A present participle clause uses the "-ing" form of the verb. Present participle clauses can act as nouns, adjectives, complements and adverbs of manner or reason. For example:
They passed the hallway talking to each other.
present participle as an adverb
Drinking too much will affect your brain.
present participle as a subject
The police caught the suspect hiding in the basement.
present participle as the object complement
Past Participle
Past participle clauses use the past participle form of the verb and act as adjectives or adverbs of reason or result. Here are some examples:
The man invited to the party was my uncle.
past participle as adjective
Tired after the long journey, she went straight to bed.
past participle as adverb
Perfect Participle
Perfect participle clauses use "Having" + past participle of the verb to show that an action was completed before another action. These clauses mainly function as adjectives or adverbs. For example:
Having completed the task, he was free to leave.
perfect participle as an adverb
The report having been finalized yesterday is now ready for submission.
perfect participle as an adjective
Tip!
You can use non-finite clauses after catenative verbs. Here are some examples:
I enjoy dancing under the rain.
I love to paint the walls.
I heard you laugh.
Restrictive or Non-restrictive Non-finite Clauses
Depending on the way non-finite clauses function in a sentence, they can be restrictive or non-restrictive. Here are a few examples:
The boy sitting on the corner asks a lot of ridiculous questions. → restrictive
She rang the bell scared to death. → non-restrictive
Tip!
When a non-finite clause is used as a non-restrictive relative clause, it is typically placed between two commas. Here is an example:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, sent to me last year, was a wonderful book.
Quiz:
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence with a non-finite clause:
Match the type of non-finite clause with its correct example.
Which of the following sentences contains a non-finite clause acting as an adjective?
The flowers blooming in the garden attract bees.
She enjoys reading historical novels in her free time.
To succeed in life, you must work hard.
The child was excited to receive the gift.
Fill the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses to form a non-finite clause.
The hikers found the trail
(cover) under thick snow.
(invite) to the party, she decided to buy a new dress.
The lesson was too complicated
(understand) without the teacher's assistance.
She was delighted
(receive) her parents' approval of her project.
He had a great time
(play) the guitar with his friends.
She made me
(rewrite) the entire report before submitting it.
The student,
(complete) her assignment early, relaxed for the evening.
Which sentence demonstrates a non-finite clause with a restrictive function?
The woman sitting at the table is my aunt.
The movie, released last year, was a big hit.
He bought a new house to start fresh.
The book, given to me by my friend, was amazing.
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