3.186 verb forms

The first verb involved in a phase structure is the main verb of the structure. It is usually finite, that is, it inflects for tense and agrees in number with the subject of the clause.

• I wanted to come home.
• Lonnie wants to say 'sorry'.
• More and more people are coming to appreciate the contribution which Muslims make to our society.

However, it can be a non-finite form.

• There is a tendency for teachers to advise people to take their best school subjects at A Level.

3.187

The second verb in the combination is always non-finite, which means that it does not inflect for tense and or change its form at all.

• Castle tried to read.
• They had been trying to read.

3.188

There are four types of non-finite verb forms that are used for the second verb in phase:

* the present participle

* the 'to'-infinitive form

* the infinitive without 'to'

* the past participle

Note that the infinitive without 'to' and the past participle form of the verb are used in only a few combinations.

Other kinds of '-ing' form and infinitive are also sometimes used. They are combinations of non-finite forms.

• Those very close to the blast risk being burnt.
• Neither Rita nor I recalled ever having seen her.
• She wanted to be reassured.
• They claimed to have shot down 22 planes.

3.189

The position of 'not' in negative phase structures is explained in paragraphs 4.53 to 4.54.