English grammar - Roger Berry 2012
A10.2 Incomplete clauses
A10 Subordinate clauses
Section A. Introduction
Non-finite clauses
Non-finite clauses are clauses which lack a subject and a finite verb form; however, we still call them clauses since they have some clause structure.
They are introduced by the three non-finite verb forms; thus we can divide them into three types:
□ infinitive clauses: I saw her leave the room.
□ -ing (participle) clauses: I heard someone shouting for help.
□ -ed (participle) clauses: I got the watch repaired in town.
Each non-finite clause in these examples has its own clause structure. The room is the direct object of leave, help is the prepositional object of shout, and in town is an adverbial related to repaired.
We can also identify the role that the clause plays in the main clause. In the above cases it is part of the pattern of the verb; in each case the non-finite clause constitutes the object predicative with a link transitive verb (see, hear and get). As with finite clauses the particular verb may determine what kind of non-finite clause is possible (see B8).
Wh- words can also appear in to infinitive clauses:
Compare these with the parallel examples under nominal clauses above.
Although there is no overt subject in non-finite clauses, it can be worked out from the subject or object of the main clause:
I want to leave. (I will leave.)
I want her to leave. (She will leave.)
A non-finite clause itself may be the subject of the main clause:
To live so long must be terrible.
Making money is easy.
In these cases the subject of the non-finite verb is not identifiable, but it is not important.
Participle (-ing and -ed) clauses can be part of the postmodification of a noun:
I noticed a boy lying on the grass.
I read a book called The White Hotel. (a reduced passive)
These can be related to finite relative clauses (see B10) containing a relative pronoun and a form of the verb be:
I noticed a boy who was lying on the grass.
I read a book which is called The White Hotel.
In this case they are part of one element of the main clause.
There is another situation where non-finite clauses function as a clause element themselves. This is where they are loosely attached to the main clause as adverbials, for example:
To cut a long story short, I’ve lost everything.
Shaken by this experience, he decided to resign.
Using this principle, we can solve many problems.
Note the comma in writing that separates them from the rest of the sentence. In the last two of these examples the identity of the unmentioned subject of the non-finite verb can be found in the main clause. The -ed participle suggests a passive meaning (he was shaken by this experience), while the -ing participle suggests an active meaning (we use this principle . . .).
-ing clauses can be preceded by prepositions, i.e. they can be part of prepositional phrases, for example:
On hearing this, the crowd gave a big roar.
By applying early, you increase your chances of success.
Verbless clauses
Verbless clauses have no verb as well as no subject. They are introduced by certain subordinating conjunctions and function as adverbials in the main clause.
Although sleepy, she still managed to finish her homework.
Slippery when wet.
As with non-finite clauses we can still see some clause structure, despite the lack of subject and verb. Thus sleepy and wet in the above examples can be classified as subject predicatives, as a full paraphrase indicates: Although she was sleepy . . ., . . . when it is wet. In the following example in doubt functions as an adverbial:
If in doubt, consult your doctor. (If you are in doubt ...)
Other conjunctions which can appear in this position include whether, while, whenever, though, once, as if.
Activity A10.3
Expand the following non-finite and verbless clauses (underlined) into full finite clauses.
1. If possible, place all plastic in a separate container.
2. I heard someone singing in the shower.
3. The man, described as being 6 foot tall, is in his late forties.
4. They stood there as if shell-shocked.
5. Once lost, your reputation can never be fully recovered.
Comments
Activity A10.1: In one meaning when it stops is the direct object of a ditransitive tell (i.e. it is a nominal clause); it represents the information that the speaker wants to know (for example, when a horrific scene in a film is over). In the other meaning when it stops is an adverbial clause (and tell is monotransitive) referring to the time of the telling; i.e. Don’t tell me now, tell me when it stops. The two related questions would also show the difference: What/when did she tell you?
Activity A10.2: (1) is nominal (as subject), (2) is appositive, (3) is complement and (4) is nominal (as object).
Activity A10.3:
1. If it is possible . . . Note that the subject here is not the same as that in the main clause.
2. someone who was singing . . .
3. The man, who was described . . .
4. as if they were shell-shocked.
5. Once it is lost . . .