Non-Finite Verb Phrases

This chapter discusses non-finite verb phrases—participle and infinitive phrases—which may consist of a non-finite verb alone or may include modifiers and complements. Like dependent clauses, they have both a complex internal structure and function as a single constituent within a container phrase or clause. Participle and infinitive phrases may function as nominals, adjectivals, or adverbials and can perform most of the functions of other nominals, adjectivals, and adverbials. In structure, participle and infinitive phrases are like partial or incomplete predicates, lacking a preceding auxiliary verb to make them finite. As with a clause, participle and infinitive phrases always have an agent (a doer), which may be explicit or implied. To ensure that the reference of a participle or infinitive phrase is clear and to avoid dangling modifiers, a reader must be able to easily identify the agent of the non-finite verb. The complete participle or infinitive may include perfect, progressive, and passive auxiliary verbs and semi-modal and imperfect aspectual verbs. Participle and infinitive phrases may also be preceded by a variety of wh-words, expletives, and subordinating conjunctions to mark the beginning of the phrase, its relationship with the container constituent, and its function.