Understanding English Grammar: A Course Book for chinese Learners of English

9. Non-finite Subordinate Clauses

Introduction In Unit 8, we learned that clauses can be divided into two types: main clauses and subordinate clauses. Main clauses must be finite (i.e. have a finite verb, which is marked for tense). We also studied the forms and functions of some finite subordinate clauses. It is important to know that, unlike main clauses, subordinate clauses can be either finite or non-finite. The following examples (taken from Unit 8) show both possibilities. The underlined subordinate clauses in sentences 1, 3, 5, 7 are finite, while those in sentences 2, 4, 6, 8 are non-finite (the non-finite verbs are given in bold print): 1. Because he was a tourist, he was easily cheated. 2. Being a tourist, he was easily cheated. 3. He booked his ticket early so that he could be sure of a seat. 4. He booked his ticket early in order to be sure of a seat. 5. Before he went to bed, he usually had a drink. 6. Before going to bed, he usually had a drink. 7. He told me that I should study harder. 8. He told me to study harder. QUESTION 1 Compare the finite and non-finite subordinate clauses in sentences 1–8 above carefully. Note down all the general differences that you can find between them. [HINT: There are at 9 Non-finite Subordinate Clauses 132 Understanding English Grammar least three general differences.] It is important that you try to work these out for yourself before reading on. The general differences between finite and non-finite subordinate clauses are: 1. 2. 3. Non-finite Verbs The first and most obvious difference you may have noticed between the two types of clauses is (of course) the following: • The verbs of finite clauses are finite (i.e. have tense) • The verbs of non-finite clauses are non-finite (i.e. have no tense) We discussed tense in Unit 3. The verbs was, could, went, should in sentences 1, 3, 5, 7 above are finite and have tense. In these cases, they happen to be in the past tense, but they could very well have been in the present tense: is, can, goes, shall. The verbs being, to be, going, to study in sentences 2, 4, 6, 8 are non-finite and have no tense. You will recall that there are three non-finite verb forms: infinitive ([to] go), present participle (going) and past participle (gone). QUESTION 2 The underlined clauses on p.133 are supposed to be non-finite subordinate clauses. Give the appropriate non-finite forms of the verbs given in brackets. Non-finite Subordinate Clauses 133 Julius Caesar was a great Roman general who wanted to (be) crowned emperor of Rome. (fear) Caesar’s ambition, Brutus discussed with his friends what to (do). (draw) together by their love of democracy, the conspirators killed Caesar in the Capitol. Caesar’s friend, Mark Antony, gave a speech at his funeral. (speak) at the top of his voice, he asked the Romans to (lend) him their ears. (stir) up by his fiery speech, the crowd then turned on the conspirators. Completely (take) by surprise, they fled, and a civil war followed. (know) that the end was near, Brutus killed himself. Subjectless Clauses In Units 7 and 8, we’ve seen that a finite clause — whether it’s a main (as in sentence 1 below) or subordinate clause (sentence 2) — must have a subject: 1. Many innocent bystanders were injured at the demonstration. 2. I heard that many innocent bystanders were injured at the demonstration. If the subjects were missing, the result would be ungrammatical: 1. * ___ were injured at the demonstration. 2. * I heard that ___ were injured at the demonstration. But what about non-finite clauses? QUESTION 3 Some of the underlined non-finite subordinate clauses below are ungrammatical. Mark them with a (X), and explain why they are ungrammatical. 1. Driving to work this morning, John saw an accident. 2. He driving to work this morning, John saw an accident. 3. Disappointed with her performance, the boss decided to sack her. 4. He disappointed with her performance, the boss decided to sack her. 5. Peter applied to ten different universities in order to get into one. 6. Peter applied to ten different universities in order he to get into one. 7. To be eligible for a scholarship, you have to be a permanent resident. 8. You...