8.117 Non-finite clauses

A non-finite clause is a subordinate clause which contains a participle or an infinitive, but which does not contain a finite verb.

There are two kinds of non-finite clause. One kind begins with a subordinating conjunction.

• Quite often while talking to you they'd stand on one foot.
• You've got to do something in depth in order to understand it.

This kind of clause is dealt with in the sections on adverbial clauses(paragraphs 8.8 to 8.82).

The other kind of non-finite clause does not begin with a subordinating conjunction.

• He pranced about, feeling very important indeed.
• I wanted to talk to her.

This kind of clause sometimes consists of a participle and nothing else.

• Ellen shook her head, smiling.
• Bet, grumbling, had departed to her harp lesson.

Clauses which contain a participle and do not begin with a subordinating conjunction are explained in the following paragraphs.