8.3 Functions of non-finite clauses

Non-finite clauses are versatile sentence elements that can function as subjects, objects, complements, and modifiers. They add depth and variety to sentence structure, allowing for more concise and nuanced expression of ideas.

Understanding how to use non-finite clauses effectively can greatly improve your writing. By mastering their various functions and applications, you can create more sophisticated and engaging sentences while avoiding common grammatical pitfalls.

Non-Finite Clause Functions

Functions of non-finite clauses

Top images from around the web for Functions of non-finite clauses

• 

  8.2 X-bar Phrase Structure – Essentials of Linguistics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Target Complexity Modulates Syntactic Priming During Comprehension View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Basic English Grammar | attanatta | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  8.2 X-bar Phrase Structure – Essentials of Linguistics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Target Complexity Modulates Syntactic Priming During Comprehension View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Functions of non-finite clauses

• 

  8.2 X-bar Phrase Structure – Essentials of Linguistics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Target Complexity Modulates Syntactic Priming During Comprehension View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Basic English Grammar | attanatta | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  8.2 X-bar Phrase Structure – Essentials of Linguistics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Target Complexity Modulates Syntactic Priming During Comprehension View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Subject function
  • Occurs at sentence beginning introduces main idea (Reading books broadens your mind)
  • Often followed by finite verb completes sentence structure (To succeed requires dedication)
• Object function
  • Follows transitive verbs acts as recipient of action (She enjoys swimming in the lake)
  • Serves as direct or indirect objects conveys what or to whom action is done (They asked me to help with the project)
• Complement function
  • Subject complement provides additional information about subject (Her goal is to become a doctor)
  • Object complement describes or renames direct object (We found the movie to be entertaining)
• Adverbial function
  • Expresses time reason purpose or condition modifies verb (After finishing work, she went home)
• Postmodifier function
  • Modifies nouns or noun phrases adds descriptive information (The man wearing a red hat is my uncle)
• Noun phrase function
  • Acts as nominal element in sentence replaces traditional noun (Smoking is harmful to your health)

Non-finite clauses as sentence elements

• Subject function
  • Infinitive clauses as subjects introduce main topic (To travel the world is her dream)
  • Gerund clauses as subjects name action or state (Exercising regularly improves health)
• Object function
  • Direct object role receives action of verb (She loves to sing in the shower)
    • Follows verbs like enjoy prefer or avoid
  • Indirect object role indicates recipient of action (The teacher assigned us to write an essay)
    • Less common but possible with certain verbs
• Complement function
  • Subject complement follows linking verbs describes subject (His ambition is to become a pilot)
  • Object complement provides additional information about direct object (We considered him to be trustworthy)

Non-finite clauses as modifiers

• Postmodifier function
  • Infinitive clauses modifying nouns add purpose or goal (She needs a place to stay)
  • Present participle clauses as noun modifiers describe ongoing action (The children playing in the park are my neighbors)
  • Past participle clauses as noun modifiers indicate completed action (The package delivered yesterday was damaged)
• Adjective modification
  • Infinitive clauses modifying adjectives specify extent or purpose (She was happy to help with the project)
  • Present participle clauses as adjective complements describe simultaneous action (The dog lying on the porch looks friendly)
• Reduced relative clauses
  • Non-finite clauses functioning as condensed relative clauses simplify sentence structure (The man speaking to the crowd is the mayor)

Application of non-finite clauses

• Proper placement of non-finite clauses
  • Avoiding dangling modifiers ensures clear connection to modified element (Correct: While walking home, I saw a beautiful sunset)
  • Ensuring clear antecedents prevents ambiguity (The dog chasing the cat belongs to my neighbor)
• Choosing appropriate non-finite forms
  • Infinitives vs gerunds depend on verb and context (She likes to swim vs She enjoys swimming)
  • Present vs past participles indicate ongoing or completed action (The running water vs The written letter)
• Maintaining parallelism with non-finite clauses creates balanced sentences (He enjoys hiking camping and fishing)
• Punctuation rules for non-finite clauses
  • Commas with introductory clauses separate from main clause (Having finished dinner, we went for a walk)
  • Restrictive vs non-restrictive modifiers determine comma usage (The woman wearing a red dress is my sister vs My sister, wearing a red dress, arrived late)
• Balancing sentence structure
  • Combining finite and non-finite clauses effectively varies sentence rhythm (She studied hard, hoping to pass the exam)
• Recognizing and correcting common errors
  • Misplaced modifiers create unintended meanings (Incorrect: Walking down the street, a cat crossed my path)
  • Faulty parallelism disrupts sentence flow (Incorrect: He likes swimming biking and to run)
  • Unclear references confuse reader (Ambiguous: After writing the email, it was sent immediately)