8.150 non-finite clauses

Coordinating conjunctions can be used to link non-finite clauses.

'To'-infinitive clauses can be linked by 'and' or 'or'.

• We need to persuade more drivers to leave their cars at home and to use the train instead.
• She may decide to remarry or to live with one of her sisters.

Sometimes the second 'to' is omitted.

• Soldiers tried to clear road obstructions and remove flags and graffiti.

When the second clause is negative, you can use 'not' instead of 'and not'.

• I am paid to treat people, not to interrogate them.

Clauses beginning with a participle can be linked by 'and' or 'or'.

• The mother lay on the bed gazing at the child and smiling at him.
• You may be more comfortable wearing a cotton dress or shirt or sleeping under a cotton blanket.

However, if the first clause begins with 'standing', 'sitting', or 'lying', you do not usually put 'and' between the clauses.

• Inside were two lines of old people sitting facing each other.

8.151

For information on how to coordinate more than two clauses, see paragraph 8.188.