UNIVERSIDADE LICUNGO

FACULDADE DE LETRAS E HUMANIDADES

HONOURS DEGREE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

FÉLICIO FRANCISCO GIL

GILDO FONSECA LUIS
JOSEFAT FELEX ALBERTO DIAS
NORDINO LUÍS ALFREDO
PIO DOS SANTOS JÚLIO MUNEME
ZELDINO ABÍLIO DINHEIRO
ZESITO ZEFERINO LINHA

NON-FINITE CLAUSES: ROOM B

Quelimane
2021
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FÉLICIO FRANCISCO GIL

GILDO FONSECA LUIS
JOSEFAT FELEX ALBERTO DIAS
NORDINO LUÍS ALFREDO
PIO DOS SANTOS JÚLIO MUNEME
ZELDINO ABÍLIO DINHEIRO
ZESITO ZEFERINO LINHA

NON-FINITE CLAUSES: ROOM B

Assignment submitted in the Department of

: Letters and Humanity, for evaluative

purpose, in Syntax-II Subject, 3rd and 4th
year, 1st semester,
Lecturer: ManuelSubject
Josias. being assisted by
the Lecturer:

Lecturer: Manuel Josias

Quelimane
2021
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Content page
1.Introduction....................................................................................................................1

2. Non-finite clauses..........................................................................................................3

2.1.Non-finite form of the verbs........................................................................................4

2.1.1.Infinitive verbs..........................................................................................................4

2.1.2. Participle verbs........................................................................................................5

2.2.Complementisers.........................................................................................................5

2.2.1.C1: For and whether.................................................................................................6

2.2.2.Fronted WH-phrases.................................................................................................6

2.3.Functions of non-finite clauses....................................................................................7

2.4.Building phrase marker for some examples................................................................9

3.Conclusion....................................................................................................................11

Bibliography---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
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1. Introduction
Differently to what has been said, the topic of non-finite clauses is complex. It needs a
deep study in order to better understand. The knowledge which says that the non-finite
clauses are just dependent clause, and will always lack elements, is ambiguous. By the
way, in this work is better explained much as possible about this topic including the
preliminary factors that separates it from the much known ambiguous definitions.

The present work was made being based on deep discussions within the unit 10 in the
book of Noel Burton-Roberts. Its main topic is Non-finite clauses. In Non-finite clauses
it is talked about Form, complementiser, functions and phrase maker of non-finite
clauses. With examples, the topic and subtopics are well clarified or explained. Square
brackets were used in order to stimulate, or support understanding. Starting from the
introduction, the work is numbered until the conclusion: cardinal numbers. The
alphabetical letters were used on introducing the category of subtopics.

For phrase maker was taken from the further exercises two examples, and in general
they were explained using the whole knowledge this unit.
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2. Non-finite clauses
The most known concept of Non-finite clauses is that they are group of phrases which
may lack one element (being subject or object) called in Burton as NPs (Noun Phrases).
This concept is ambiguous due to the fact that this is not the appropriate way of
discovering whether we are dealing with Non-finite clauses or not. In this case there is
something that must be clear and undoubtable, all the Non-finite clauses are always the
subordinate (or dependent clause).

In contrast of that aged concept, Burton says that ‘they (non-finite clauses) may lack
one or more major overt noun phrases (NPs)’. This concept as well is not what it seems
like: by saying may (lack one or more overt NPs), he means that they will always lack
one or more illustrated (overt) noun phrases. By contrast it should be said that they can
(lack one or more overt NPs) which shows that they can or cannot. In another words
there are cases on which we do not have none of the overt NPs (however covert) in the
subordinate clause. See the example:
E.g:1. I have to go.

On this case, we have in the subordinate clause 2 covert NPs. At the bottom of this work
is explained with brackets about the superordinate (independent) and subordinate
clause. It must also be known that the covert and Overt NPs can be Free or Controlled
depending of the verb that precedes them (in both the clauses: the dependent and
independent one). By the way, a) if the verb belongs to the category of transitive, di-
transitive, complex-transitive, and copula (not always), the object will be controlled;
however, b) if it belongs to the category of intransitive verbs, in this case, the object
(covert or overt) will free.

For a) it does not happen always due to the fact of the complementiser whether (or
whether clause) which acts differently. Explaining this, if the complementiser whether
comes after the object or objects of the independent clause, the object of the dependent
clause will be free. In contrast it will be controlled.

By the way, the most important characteristics that shall never be left outside are the
verbs that introduces the non-finite clauses. Now, this is the point which makes this
study quietly different compared to the whole previous definitions of non-finite clauses.
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While the others say that non-finite clause is that clause which always lack elements, we
say (based on Burton) that the non-finite clauses are these ones introduced by Infinitive
and Participle verbs, as we are going to see:

2.1. Non-finite form of the verbs.

Every kind of Non-finite verbs to appear in the sentence are not just put in the sentence
introducing by this way a dependent clause; they are deeply analysed (often according
to the verb that precedes it or the sense of semantic meaning). That is why they have so
many functions (discussed in 1.3).

2.1.1.Infinitive verbs
a) Bare infinitive verbs: Verbs with its basic stem without being preceded by any
auxiliary verb.
E.g: 1.All you have to do is [squeeze the trigger slowly].
 2. You should leave him [go].
 3. It is a good thing [think on travelling].
The expressions in brackets are the non-finite clauses introduced by finite verbs. Notice
that in 1 is seems like auxiliary (is squeeze); fortunately it is not. We know that as
auxiliary, the verb to be demands that its main verb must be in participle (ING-verbs or
passive), and this was not the case. In 1 it is tensed verb or main verb that is introducing
a new clause (non-finite one) that is its object (a sentence). In 2, the main verb of the
first clause is transitive verb, which means that when you leave, you leave something or
someone. By the way, this one is the subject of the dependent or second clause as
explained previously (with overt NP that should be a place, because when you go, you
go somewhere). 3-means that it is good thing thinking while travelling.

b) To-infinitive verbs: To is an auxiliary. The verbs preceded by to must be on their

basic stem. Notice that all auxiliaries can be part of the non-finite clauses with
exception of modals (due to the fact that they are always tensed – which means that they
will just make part of the independent of finite clause).
E.g: We have got to go.
 This is much dangerous [to assimilate].
 He is thought [to be hiding in Brazil].
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2.1.2. Participle verbs

a) Passive participle verbs: only verbs taking objects can be passivized. Furthermore,
as characteristic of passive, the object of the passive verb in the subordinate clause (as
we are dealing with) is moved to subordinate clause’s subject position, having by this
way an empty NP in the position of the object. And, not much important the PP
(prepositional phrase) that complements the VP (verb phrase), in this case, the previous
subject.
E.g: 1.He said the car [was stolen].
 2. I saw your book [reviewed in the paper].
 3. [The palanquin loaded], we took a rest.
 4. [Loaded to capacity], the palanquin lurched on.
The bracketed items are the non-finite clauses with passive verbs. As the rule says, what
all these examples have in common is that in the non-finite clause the actual subject was
the object of the sentence before it be passive. Furthering more, in 4 we have there two
covert NPs (therefore the rule does not change) – the covert NP acting as object was
moved to be its subject.

b) –ING participle verbs: this kind of ING-verbs are not the same as present or past
continuous (verbs followed by auxiliary verb to be). There are verbs that cannot be
followed by auxiliary to be to make participle (for instance some of these verbs are to
know, and to own). That is why they are called -ING participle verbs, and not
progressive participle verbs. In other words, all the verbs in ING that are not preceded
by auxiliary be are introducing the dependent clause.
E.g: 1.I saw the boy [studying in the library].
 2. [While going home], he passed at his girlfriend´s house.
 3. I felt Pedro [arriving at home].
The use of brackets and the use of rules is the same as explained at the top (the overt
object of the main clause is subject of the dependent one), with exception of example 2.
It has to do with the functions of non-finite clauses (mainly subject and extra posed
subject) which will be discussed later on.

2.2. Complementisers
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The complementisers of non-finite clauses are two: unfronted C1 (whether and for), and
fronted C2 (wh-expressions).

2.2.1. C1: For and whether.

a) For – is just used overtly in to infinitive clauses and it will always have an overt
subject.
E.g:1 it is impossible [for him to get here on time].
 2. The police issued orders [for the vehicles to be removed].
 3. He was looking for money.
In 1 and 2, for is acting as complementiser, however in 3, it is a preposition. It acts as
complementiser only when linking or connecting the clauses (dependent and
independent clause).

b) Whether – this complementiser as well is just used for to-infinitive. Therefore,

differently of for complementiser, it has never overt subject (however covert). In
contrast to Burton, We would swear that they can be used for ING participle verbs,
passive and bare infinitive verbs as well; therefore it is not what the Burton’s rules say.
E.g: 1. King Lous was uncertain whether to support the pope.
 2. *He asked whether being taken by the police is a good thing.
 3. He asked his mother whether to cut the tree.
1 and 3 are correct sentences. However analysing syntactically the example 2, it has
sense, but is not our discussion at the moment, because in that way the clause is NP that
was extra posed.

2.2.2. Fronted WH-phrases.

The WH-clauses can be interrogative or relative. They are fronted to make questions,
which means that they are taken from the sentence to be put before the subject as
complementisers by the way. When they are not fronted or moved, they are considered
as relative clauses. They can be anything according to the position they are.
E.g: 1. Sara asked me [how many guests to expect].
 2. He told me [where to put it in no uncertain terms].
 3. [Who did Sara try to tell what to say].
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The bracketed expressions are the Non-finite clauses (with WH-expressions). In the
examples, there are WH-words that are acting as pronoun, and adverbial phrases in NP
and VP. Other ones are complementisers fronted to make questions. What shall not be
left outside in this aspect is that the complementisers are taken from somewhere. Then,
we have to be able to identify where it was taken from. To know the elements moved
and the ones not moved we will represent the way the sentence were before of being
altered.
 1. Sara asked me to expect [how many guests].
 2. He told me to put it [where] in no uncertain time.
 3. Sara did try to tell who what to say.
In 1 it was acting as NP that was fronted, however how will still be complementiser. In
2 it was an adverbial phrase, therefore was fronted to be by the way a complementiser.
In 3, who is a NP phrase that was fronted. What – is acting as a pronoun there.
Differently to C1 complementisers, C2 are just used in fronting and not linking clauses.

2.3. Functions of non-finite clauses

Subject and extra posed Subject: this happens when we can extra pose the non-finite
clause and put it in the place of a subject acting as it. Notice that ING verbs with overt
subject cannot be extra posed.
E.g: [Stripping wallpaper] is a wretched business.
 It is a wretched business [stripping wallpaper].
 [Going to the market] is a bad thing.
 It is a bad thing [going to the market].
In this case it will be represented in NP-subject position.

a) Complement of A in AP: it happens when the non-finite clause is after the adjectival
phrase. While representing, we will put the non-finite clause as sister of the adjective,
being by the way both sisters of the Adjectival phrase. Which means that it will be
complementing the adjective.
E.g: Max is [reluctant to try it].
 That piano is [impossible to move].
The expressions in brackets are the adjectival phrases on which the non-finite clause is
found inside.
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b) Complement of P in PP: here the non-finite clause acts as it did as complement of

adjective in adjectival phrase. By the way, it will be complement of the preposition or
its sister in Prepositional phrase (PP).
E.g: I concluded [through [analysing the sentence]].
 We became zombies [through [watching too much TV]].
 He decided on assisting so many videos]].
Adverbial: non-finite clauses are adverbial phrases when they modify the whole
sentence or complement it, or when they modify or complement the Verb phrase.
E.g: I will come if needed.
 Having furnished ourselves with garlic, we set off.
 The wine finished, we dozed fitfully in our chair.
c) Complement of N in NP: the non-finite clause appear in NP as its son, and sister of
the head noun, complementing it.
E.g: We simply ignored [his appeals [for us to join the folk-dance]]
 [His ability [to think]] was severely impaired by the experience.

d) Modifier in NP: They appear in the sentence modifying the whole NP. In phrase
marker is appear modifying nominal (as its sister).
E.g: Richard has [plans [to leave]].
 [The instrument [to use]].

e) Complement of V: as complement of verb, what shall be known is that there are two
types of verbs. Type I, and II verbs. Type I verbs – are the verbs that just needs a direct
object. Here, the non-finite clause will replace the object position, therefore, the object
of the main clause will be the subject of the non-finite clause. In contrast, type II verbs –
are that verbs which need two objects (direct and indirect). By the way, the non-finite
clause will be object predicate of the higher verb (as its complement), and, the direct
object will not be the subject of the non-finite clause (or lower verb). It just happens for
higher verbs (type II: complex transitive and ditransive verbs).
E.g: I. He believed [me to eat at my house].
 I. He believed [Paul to have been treated by Dr. Fernandes].
 II. I advised him [to take the bicycle].
 II. I forced him on [running in the marathon].
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2.4. Building phrase marker for some examples

a) Who did Sara try to tell what to say?

b) Sara believed Paul to have been treated by Dr Fernandes.

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3. Conclusion
The non-finite clauses are introduced by infinitive verbs (bare infinitive, and to
infinitive), and participle verbs (passive, and ING-verbs). They can or cannot have
covert noun phrases due to the fact of the main clause with transitive verbs that
establishes its object to be the subject of that non-finite clause. There are so many
functions that non-finite clauses can perform: they can act as subject and extra posed
subject, complement of a noun in noun phrase, complement of a verb, modifier of noun,
complement of adjective in adjectival phrase, complement of preposition in
prepositional phrase, and as adverbial phrase.
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Bibliography
Burton, N. (n.d). Analysing Sentences: an introduction to English syntax. Routledge.
London and New York. 3rd edition. 2011. P1/271.