Non-finite clause

In linguistics, a non-finite clause is a dependent or embedded clause that represents a state or event in the same way no matter whether it takes place before, during, or after text production. In this sense, a non-finite dependent clause represents one process as a circumstance for another without specifying the time when it takes place as in the following examples: Non-Finite Dependent Clauses I'm going to Broadway to watch a play. I went to Broadway to watch a play. Finite Dependent Clauses I'm going to Broadway so I can watch a play. I went to Broadway so I could watch a play. Similarly, a non-finite embedded clause represents a qualification for something that is being represented as in the following examples: Non-Finite Embedded Clauses I'm on a street called Bellevue Avenue. I was on a street called Bellevue Avenue. Finite Embedded Clauses I'm on a street that is called Bellevue Avenue. I'm on a street that used to be called Bellevue Avenue. I was on a street that is called Bellevue Avenue. I was on a street that used to be called Bellevue Avenue. In meaning-independent descriptions of language, a non-finite clause is a clause whose verbal chain is non-finite; for example, using Priscian's categories for Latin verb forms, in many languages we find texts with non-finite clauses containing infinitives, participles and gerunds. In such accounts, a non-finite clause usually serves a grammatical role – commonly that of a noun, adjective, or adverb – in a greater clause that contains it. A typical finite clause consists of a finite form of the verb together with its objects and other dependents (i.e. a verb phrase or predicate), along with its subject (although in certain cases the subject is not expressed). A non-finite clause is similar, except that the verb must be in a non-finite form (such as an infinitive, participle, gerund or gerundive), and it is consequently much more likely that there will be no subject expressed, i.e. that the clause will consist of a (non-finite) verb phrase on its own.