University of Batna Department of English-Second-Year Classes

Course: Morphosyntax Teacher: N.Kissoum

Finite, Non-finite and Verbless Clauses

Exercise 1: Underline and give the function of the non- finite and verbless clauses
in the following sentences:

1. My favourite thing to do is collecting actors photographs.

2. You must learn to work hard and to deal with difficulties.
3. The long journey over, we relaxed in the warm sunshine.
4. He was a delightful companion, always cheerful and considerate.
5. Having been invited to speak, and then being told to keep silent, I shall never
come here again as long as I live.
6. Standing here all day, I see many strange faces.
7. Standing here all day is extremely tiring.
8. While in the army, he learnt a great deal about electricity.
9. Not feeling very well, I decided to stay at home.
10. They pump waste into the water, killing all the fish.
11. Taken daily, vitamin pills can improve your health.
12. To turn down the invitation seems rude.
13. The important thing is not to panic.
14. Not very happy with the result, he said nothing to his parents.
15. Whether busy or not, you have to come to our party next Sunday.

Exercise 2: Reduce the bracketed finite clauses to non-finite or verbless clauses.

1. (Although she was a very pretty girl), she agreed to marry an ugly man.
2. The child (who is crying over there) always helps me with my housework. (Non-
finite clause)
3. The concert (which was given by the Philharmonic Orchestra) was a great success.
(Non-finite clause)
4. In the next berth, she could hear her stepmother, (who was breathing heavily).
(Non-finite clause)
5. (When he had completed his duty), he had three months leave. (Non-finite clause)
6. (Because we were always afraid of snakes), we shut every door and window at
night. (Verbless clause)
7. (Since we lived in the country), we had few social visits. (Non-finite clause)
8. The man (who was injured by the bullet) was taken to the hospital. (Non-finite
clause)
9. (As he was a man of few words), Uncle George declined to express an opinion.
(Verbless clause)
10. The oranges, (when they are ripe), are picked and sorted. (Verbless clause)
11. (Whether he is right or wrong), Michael always comes off worst in an argument.
(Verbless clause)
12. Dozens of tourists were stranded, (many of the tourists were children). (Verbless
clause)
13. (Because I felt rather tired), I telephoned and said I couldnt come. (Non-finite
clause)

1
 14. (Since we had spent all the money), we started looking for work. (Non-finite
clause)
15. (As she was covered with confusion), she hurriedly left the room. (Non-finite
clause)

Exercise 3: Isolate and label the dependent clause or clauses in each of the
sentences below, as in the following two models,
a. I think you can do it.
You can do it: finite clause acting as O in the subordinate clause.
b. Leaving the room, he tripped over the mat.
Leaving the room: non-finite, -ing participle clause, acting as adverb in the
subordinate clause.
using the symbols S(subject), O (object), C(complement), A (adverb or adjective) .
1. That you could do it I always knew.
2. That you can do it is still uncertain.
3. Standing here all day, I see many strange faces.
4. Standing here all day is extremely tiring.
5. My greatest pleasure is to listen to chamber music.
6. To listen to chamber music is my greatest pleasure.
7. Exhausted after the long journey, I fell asleep at once.
8. Glancing up at my tired face, she asked, in a rather grating voice, how I was
feeling.
9. She had not asked life to be thus.
10. He was a delightful companion, always cheerful and considerate.

Exercise 4: Reduce the finite time clauses to non-finite or verbless time clauses
whenever such reduction would be acceptable without change of voice.
1. When I last saw you, you lived in Washington.
2. When you lived in Washington, did you ever meet Robert Davidson?
3. Since I met you, I have been reading your book.
4. Once your book is published, it will sell very rapidly.
5. When you are in Rome, do as Rome does.
6. Until you are asked to speak, you would be well advised to remain silent.
7. Before he served in the army, he was much too fat.
8. While he was in the army, he learnt a great deal about electricity.

2
9. When you enter the town, you will see the monument straight in front of you.
10. After he had travelled round the world, Dave settled down peacefully in his native
town.

Exercise 5: Give the function of the bracketed non-finite clauses.

1. (Flying a plane) is an exciting experience.

2. (Having worked tirelessly for forty years), he finally decided to retire.
3. His greatest regret is (not having studied hard in his youth).
4. She enjoys (swimming in the sea).
5. She opened the door and let the intruder in, (thinking that he was her husband).
6. (Attacked on all the sides), the soldiers had to surrender finally.
7. His biggest achievement was (to climb Mount Everest).
8. The contestant (knowing the most answers) will win the game.
9. I was surprised at (them loosing the race).
10. (Having been attacked by bears at the zoo) convinced me not to visit there
anymore.

Exercise 6: Mark the italicized finite clauses with F and the italicized non-finite
clauses with NF.
1. Statistics Canada has found what many people have long suspected.
2. Officials were told that the missing fish could number as many as 1.2
million.
3. Of course, being an intellectual hockey player doesnt always help.
4. When people survive a heart attack, damage to the organ is often
so great that they eventually suffer another attack and die.
5. Mr. Fuller, who spent fifteen days in jail awaiting trial, received the longest
sentence given to a participant in the riot.
6. Emptying the mind before physical action will improve success in
sports.
7. The chemical appears to increase serotonin levels in the brain, taking away the
compulsive desire to place a bet.
8. If you want to find out what youth are doing, go deeper.

N.Kissoum