Universitatea Dunrea de Jos

din Galai
Facultatea de Litere
Specializarea:
Limba i literatura romn Limba i literatura englez

Curs opional de
limb englez
Conf.dr. Stelua Stan

Anul II, Semestrul II

D.I.D.F.R.

UDJG
Faculty of Letters

Non-finite Forms
of the English Verb
(An Elective Course in English Language
for 2nd year students)

Course tutor:
Associate Professor Steluta Stan, PhD

Galai
2011

Contents

Introduction. Finite/Non-finite

Chapter 1. The Infinitive

Chapter 2. The ing Form

18

Chapter 3. The ing Participle

22

Chapter 4. The ed Participle

26

Applications

29

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Introduction. FINITE/ NON-FINITE

The forms of the English verb (the base form, the s form, the ing form, the
ed/en form) and the phrases they are part of are usually classified into two
broad types, based on the kind of contrast in meaning they express.
The notion of finiteness is the traditional way of classifying the
differences. This term suggests that verbs can be limited in some way, and
this is in fact what happens when different kinds of endings are attached to
them.
The finite forms are those which limit the verb to a particular number,
tense, person, or mood. If there is a series of verbs in the verb phrase, the
finite verb is always the first, as in I was being given.
The non-finite forms (infinitive, gerund, participles) do not limit the verb in
this way. For example, when the ing form is used, the verb can be referring
to any number, tense, person, or mood, as in Seeing what happened,
I/you/hecalled for the police.
As the examples show, a nonfinite form stays the same in a clause,
regardless of the grammatical variation taking place around it.

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

Chapter 1: THE INFINITIVE

It expresses an action or a state in its general sense, without any strict reference to person,
number or mood, and is considered the first basic form of a verb. The infinitive has two main
forms:
-

the to-/long infinitive, and

the short/bare/plain infinitive.

*The Split Infinitive

Grammarians have identified and described a class of auxiliary adverbs, such as almost,
already, always, ever, just, merely, still, utterly, etc.; they appear in front of the main verb (if
there is no auxiliary), or after the first auxiliary (when there is one or more than one auxiliaries in
the sentence):
He still loves the Chinese civilization. You can always say that. They
working for five hours.

have already been

Things are similar in the infinitive clause/phrase. If there is no auxiliary, the adverb appears in
front of TO, or between TO and the verb. The latter is called the split infinitive (infinitiv cu
adverb intercalat), which, though frowned upon by conservative grammarians, is gaining ground
in contemporary English. The construction is mainly used when the speaker/ writer wants to
stress the action/ state expressed by the infinitive, or to avoid more ambiguous or obscure
constructions.
I want you to clearly understand that I wont tolerate such a behaviour any
foolish to even think of such a solution.

longer.

It

is

1.1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INFINITIVE

It combines the characteristics of a verb with those of a noun, with the latters typical syntactic
functions.

1.1.1. Verb characteristics of the infinitive

a) it has grammatical categories specific to a verb, i.e. voice, tense, aspect;
b) it can combine with auxiliaries or modals to form different types of predicates;
c) it may have modifiers as any other predicative mood.
a) Grammatical categories of the infinitive
VOICE/
TENSE
present

ACTIVE VOICE
indef. aspect progr.aspect
to take
to be taking

perfect

to have taken

PASSIVE VOICE
indef. aspect progr.aspect
to be taken
to be being
taken

to have been to have been to have been

taking
taken
being taken

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

The forms of the infinitive in the passive voice, progressive aspect, are hardly ever used.
Generally speaking, depending on the context, the present tense of the verbals/non-finites
indicates time simultaneous or future with reference to the time expressed by the main verb.
This also applies to the infinitive.
Im trying to understand you. (simultaneous in the present)
He invited me to come in. (simultaneous in the past)
They will ask you to make a contribution to the project. (simultaneous in
the future)
The perfect indefinite infinitive expresses time prior to that of the main verb, so the relationship
between the two is one of anteriority. It indicates actions completed before a certain moment or
action in the past, present or future.
-

anteriority to a present action: I am really glad to have put an end to this story.
anteriority to a past action: He proved to have read the whole novel.
anteriority to a future action: When I wake up Ill be happy to have forgotten this nightmare.

Note that when the perfect indefinite infinitive follows:

- a present modal verb, it expresses a past action:
She must have felt really lonely in London if she came back so soon. They may have told me
about it, but Ive forgotten.
- a past modal verb, it expresses an action that did not take place:
You could have told me about it, (but you didnt). You should have accepted the offer; its a
pity you didnt.
b) The infinitive as part of different types of predicates

simple verb predicates (different auxiliaries and an infinitive)

Did you watch the football match yesterday? He will tell you the whole story.

modal/aspectual compound verbal predicates

Jane could climb trees when she was a child.
You ought to have helped them.
They continued to talk for two more hours.
Look! Its just beginning to rain.

Note that aspectual verbs are frequently followed by the gerund in spoken English, but not when
they are in the progressive aspect; in this case, the infinitive is preferred to avoid the annoying
repetition of ing forms.
As part of a predicate, the infinitive can have different types of objects or modifiers:
D(irect) O(bject): I am delighted to see you again.
I(ndirect) O(bject): I told you to give him the telegramme.
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

Adverbial Modifier Of Time: I promised to be back in a few days.
Adverbial Modifier Of Place: I dont think they used to live here.
Adverbial Modifier Of Manner: Sheila asked me to walk faster.

1.1.2. Noun characteristics of the infinitive

The I(nfinitive) P(hrase) is often the subject of a sentence, especially when the subject
complement is also an infinitive:
To know her is to love her.
To know all is to forgive all.
Not to have invited them would have offended them.
To speak English fluently is difficult for undergraduates.
As a subject, the infinitive alternates with the gerund. It is impossible to formulate hard-and-fast
rules of choice between the two forms, but it is often suggested that the gerund is of a more
general, abstract, character than the infinitive, which refers to something restricted to a
particular moment.
In a sentence, the infinitive can have the syntactic functions of a noun:
1) subject:
To drink a cup of coffee in the morning is very refreshing.
To forget is more than natural.
Note that in current speech, it is more frequent to anticipate the subject expressed by an
infinitive with anticipatory/preparatory IT, or replace it by gerunds or verbal nouns:
It is very refreshing to drink a cup of coffee in the morning.
It seems strange to me to take everything for granted.
It takes patience to get used to living with someone.
It doesnt cost anything to be polite.
Note that if the infinitive has a subject of its own, that one is usually introduced by for:
Its difficult for me to find a solution to this problem.
2) attribute, when the infinitive determines a noun or an indefinite pronoun, following them as a
postmodifier:
She is not the woman to forget that.
There is nothing to be done in this matter.
He doubted my ability to do it.
The infinitive may also postmodify nouns denoting time, place and manner:
I had no time to do it.
It will take some time to complete.
Its a nice place to live in.
Is this the best way to do it?

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

The infinitive often retains the preposition used in the construction V+O:
He is not a man to trifle with.
There is nothing to worry about.
3) subject complement, when the infinitive follows a link verb, especially to be:
To sympathize is to understand.
The most important thing is for us to reach an agreement before the deadline.
4) prepositional object, when the infinitive construction starts out as a prepositional object
after certain verbs and adjectives:
apply for, bother about, care for, consent to, fail in, hesitate about, insist on, long for, persist
in, plead for, proceed with, etc.; able, afraid, angry, anxious, careful, certain, concerned,
content, eager, fit, glad, pleased, prepared, proud, ready, sorry, welcome, willing, etc.
Note that the preposition of the verb is omitted if it immediately precedes the infinitive
clause/phrase:
What we decided on was for him to speak on our behalf.
(but: We decided for him to speak on our behalf).
Dont trouble to look for my glasses.
5) direct object. Infinitives often function as DOs with simple transitive verbs (arrange, attempt,
decline, endeavour, learn, manage, omit, refuse), with verbs of liking/disliking and intention
(desire, dislike, expect, hate, intend, like, mean, prefer, want, wish), with verbs of mental
perception, with verbs of linguistic communication (ask, claim, conclude, threaten).
Some of the verbs followed by an infinitive as direct object can also be followed by a THAT
clause:
He claimed to be an expert in such matters. He claimed that he was an expert in such
matters.
Note that we distinguish between groups of verbs that can have as object only an infinitive,
only a gerund, both an infinitive and a gerund, with/without changes in meaning (see the subchapter Gerund/ Infinitive)
6) adverbial modifier of purpose. The idea of purpose may be emphasized by in order or so
as:
We went to the hospital to make sure she was all right.
He opened the door for her to go out.

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

1.2. GERUND vs. INFINITIVE

As already mentioned above, some verbs may be used with both the infinitive and the
gerund, sometimes depending on the meaning to be expressed.
a) after the following verbs, either the infinitive or the gerund may be used without any
difference in meaning:

begin, start, continue, cease

+ infinitive = involuntary action

+ gerund = deliberate action
He started/began speaking when he saw me.
He started to speak louder without even realizing it.
Due to the thick fog, the planes ceased/stopped taking off.
The British Empire ceased to exist.
Note that verbs of knowing/understanding are followed by an infinitive.
- when BEGIN/START are used in the continuous tenses, the infinitive is preferred to
avoid the repetition of ing forms;
- SET ABOUT (=begin) + gerund
As soon as the floods went down, we set about repairing the damage.
- START OUT (=take steps as intending) + infinitive
He started out to write another novel.
attempt, intend, cant bear + infinitive (more usual)
The prisoners attempted to escape but failed.
What do you intend to do today?
need, want (=need), require + gerund (much more frequent in spoken English)/ +
to be en/V3
My shoes need mending/to be mended.
advise, allow, permit, recommend + infinitive (if the person concerned is
mentioned)/ + gerund (if the person concerned is not mentioned)
Please allow me to introduce myself.
He does not allow smoking/He does not allow you to smoke.
b) after verbs expressing like/ dislike and preference, the gerund is used for general
statements, whereas the infinitive is preferred in statements about a particular situation.
He likes jogging in the morning.
He doesnt like to jog today, on such a cold weather.
*like + infinitive (= think wise/right); like + gerund (= enjoy)
I like to go to the dentist twice a year (I think its wise); that doesnt mean I like doing it (I
enjoy it).
**like + infinitive (=perfective action); like + gerund (=imperfective action)
He likes to smoke a cigarette and then go for a walk.
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

He likes smoking a cigarette by the fireplace.
***like + infinitive (=refers to the subject of the sentence); like + gerund (= may also refer
to some other agent)
I dont like to trifle with serious matters (myself).
I dont like trifling with serious matters (either myself or when somebody else does it)
c) the following verbs have different meanings, according to whether they take an infinitive
or a gerund:

remember, regret + infinitive refers to the future;

+ gerund - refers to the past.

I must remember to buy some food.

I remember seeing her when she was a child.
I regret to say that I have no news for you.
I regret not having seen this film.

forget + infinitive = fail to remember;

+ gerund = lose the memory of.
I forgot to post those letters you gave me.
I forgot posting them. (I did it, but did not remember that I did it.)

stop + infinitive = halt;

+ gerund = cease.
We stopped talking because we realized that bothered the others.
We stopped to talk since we hadnt seen each other for a very long time.

mean + infinitive = intend/have in view;

+ gerund = involve/have as a consequence.
I didnt mean to offend Jane; that was not my intention.
I wont give up this idea even it means waiting my whole life.

try +infinitive = make an attempt;

+ gerund = test/make an experiment.
Try to answer/Try and answer all the questions if you want to score high.
Have you ever tried driving in Bucharest during the rush hours?

go on + infinitive = do/say next, proceed;

+ gerund = continue.
He went on to talk about the influence of the media in Romania
(the subject was introduced for the first time).
He went on talking about the influence of the media in Romania
(he continued doing the same thing, i.e. talking about the influence).

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

10

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

1.3. USES OF THE SHORT INFINITIVE

a) in combination with auxiliary verbs to form compound tenses (the interrogative and negative
of the present, past and future tenses, the indicative, conditional, subjunctive and imperative
moods):
Do you understand what Im saying?
He would leave sooner if he could find tickets.
They will be waiting for you as long as its needed.
b) after modal verbs, with the exception of those followed by a to-infinitive (be to, ought to have
to). Note that when DARE and NEED are used as regular verbs, they will take a to-infinitive.
Under the circumstances, he should do as he is told.
The project could be worked out in a specialized institute.
He wouldnt dare (to) say so to my face (but He dared me to tell him the truth).
You need not worry so much, everything will be just fine (but I need to go now).
c) after the verb to bid (bade-bidden/bid), but only with the simple forms, not with the
compound ones, or with such verbs as forbid, followed by the long infinitive.
His parents bade him find a job as their financial situation was rather difficult.
He has not bid us to start work yet.
He says the new law forbids us to smoke in public areas.
d) after the verbs TO LET and TO HELP, the latter one in spoken English not in Written
English.
The children wouldnt let me go.
Would you help me find a reliable traveling agency?
e) after the verbs to make and to have, when they act as causatives, and are in the active
voice.
The news made her cry for joy.
I promise Ill have him answer for his carelessness.
f)

after verbs expressing physical perception, such as feel, hear, see, observe, perceive,
watch.
I felt him start when his name was uttered.
You heard her speak on the subject.
She saw him come earlier.
Note that the passive voice of the verbs in c), d), e), f) is followed by the to-infinitive.
She was heard to call your name, so she must have needed you badly.
I was never made to do something I didnt want to.
Note also that this infinitive is part of a complex subject (the infinitival construction the
nominative with the infinitive), having the syntactic function of subject complement.

g) after such modal expressions as had better/best/rather/sooner, would rather/sooner,

better/rather/sooner/more than, cannot but, do nothing but.
She would rather stay in tonight, cause she doesnt feel like going out.
I had better go now, its getting late and the streets are not secure.
He would sooner speak than do something.
Rather than suffer, I would tell him how I feel.

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

11

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

1.4. USES OF THE LONG INFINITIVE

a) after the modal verbs ought, have, be, and also after such modal expressions as be
(un)able/anxious/bound
The letter ought to reach them within a fortnight. I am really anxious to learn the truth if you
will tell it to me. To my mind she is bound to succeed in her attempt.
b) after nouns, such as pity, folly, madness, time, mistake
It would be sheer madness to give up everything you have and just leave.
- adjectives, such as (un)usual, difficult, easy, necessary, safe.
You must admit openly that it is not so easy to part from someone you love.
- certain verbs, as require, take, need (when used as a regular verb)
I think you should all know it will take us a lot of time and energy to set things right again.
Note that the IP is introduced by preparatory/anticipatory IT, and has the syntactic function of a
subject.
c) after nouns, such as man, person, girl, woman
She just is not the woman to act on the spur of the moment.
- ordinal numbers: first, second, last
Even if you find it hard to believe, I was the first to reach the top of the mountain.
- adjectives in the superlative
As far as we know, dr. Hill is the first to (have) performed such an operation.
d) after intransitive verbs, such as care, hesitate, trouble, come, proceed, bother
I must admit I just hesitated to take a definite decision on the matter at issue.
Nobody bothered to ask me what I wanted.
- transitive verbs, such as remind/assist/condemn somebody, want, learn, offer, refuse,
decide
We assisted him to get the job done.
They couldnt refuse to participate in the conference.
e)
after some transitive/ intransitive verbs, when the infinitive may also be introduced by in
order, so as
We stopped in order/so as to take a little rest.
f)
in correlation with too, enough, soas
She is too angry to admit she was wrong.
To my disappointment, he was not wise enough not to go there again looking for trouble.
Would you be so kind as to help me with this?
g)
in parenthetical/incidental constructions, having no syntactic relation with the rest of the
sentence: so to say/speak, to speak/tell the truth, to be honest/more precise, to put it bluntly
To put it bluntly, I dont trust him any more than you do.
It was, to say the least, very careless of him.
h)
in special complex constructions, called infinitive/infinitival constructions, the
Nominative with the infinitive, the Accusative with the infinitive, the infinitive with for-to, all of
which are to be dealt with in the following chapter.

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

12

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

1.5. INFINITIVE/INFINITIVAL CONSTRUCTIONS

These constructions are considered to be of a predicative type and represent combinations
between a nominal element (noun/ pronoun in the N/Acc) and a verbal element (a verb in the
infinitive).
The relationship between the two elements is of a predicative type because the infinitive
functions as the logical predicate of the nominal element, having a close semantic link with this
one.
This predicative character is obvious when these constructions are turned into full
sentences, the subjects of which are the nominal elements.
We consider Alice to be a devoted friend = We consider that Alice is a devoted friend.
Though the two sentences are taken as equivalent, cognitive linguistics would distinguish
semantic differences in their meanings, saying that the first one would mean We know this
because there was an instance when she proved it, while the latter Since other people say she
is a devoted friend, we also think she is.
In other words, the first statement is made from first-hand experience, being more personal
and assuming responsibility for its truth, whereas the latter has as its source second-hand
experience.

1.5.1. The Accusative with the Infinitive

As its very name suggests, it is a combination between a noun/ pronoun in the accusative and a
long/ short infinitive, the latter being, as already mentioned, in a predicative relationship with the
former.
The nominal element has a twofold quality: it is the grammatical object of the finite verb and
has the force of a subject for the verbal/the infinitive, although it cannot formally limit this one.
On a syntactic level, the construction performs the function of an object complement,
according to some grammarians, or complex object, according to some others, Levitchi
included. Note that the choice between a long and a short infinitive depends on the verb
preceding it.
CASES OF USE
The Accusative is used:
A. with the short infinitive:
1. after verbs of physical perception see, hear, feel, notice, observe, perceive, watch, look at,
listen to
Somebody may have noticed him leave the house.
Just watch me do it if you dont believe me.
I stood still and listened to the rain patter on the leaves.
Note that:
- when the verbs see, hear and feel indicate mental, not physical perception, they cannot be
followed by an accusative with an infinitive; instead, they take an object/that-clause:
I hear (that) you have given up being so arrogant.
I see (that) you do not understand.
I felt (that) she utterly disliked me.
- In the passive voice, these verbs are followed by the long infinitive:
He was noticed to sneak out of the room.
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

13

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

The verbs mentioned above can also take a present participle to indicate an action in progress
and not (as is the case with the infinitive) an already completed action:
He was noticed sneaking out of the room.
2. after the causatives let, make, have
Dont let him start without us.
You shouldnt let slip/pass/go/fly such an opportunity.
He simply made me do it.
I have to tell you that we have to make do with second-hand information.
Finally, the prosecutor had him confess.
I wont have you say such things in front of my children.
I had an extraordinary thing happen to me.
3. after the verbs know (in the past and perfect tenses), bid, help (Br.E).
I dont think I have ever known (seen) him (to) smile.
He bade them leave the room.
I helped them (to) take the necessary steps.
B. with the long infinitive:
1. after verbs expressing intention, desire, will: want, wish/desire, hate, mean (=intend), choose,
expect, forbid, demand
I want him never to show his face again.
2. after declarative verbs, such as: declare, admit, report, announce, state, confess, pronounce,
reckon.
The jury pronounced the defendant (to be) not guilty.
3. after verbs expressing emotions and feelings: (dis)like, prefer, cant bear.
I strongly dislike him to drive so fast.
4. after verbs expressing a request/demand: ask, demand/request, urge, invite, beg.
They simply begged him to reconsider his position.
5. after exercitive verbs expressing an obligation, an order or permission: oblige, order,
command, warn, allow/permit.
The police officer ordered the injured people to be taken to hospital immediately.
6. after causative verbs other than the ones previously mentioned: get, cause, determine, force,
compel, instruct.
I hope someone will force him to take his pills as he needs them badly. What got you to
delay the departure?
7. after verbs expressing mental activities: know, understand, consider/think, believe, suppose,
imagine.
Ive always believed her to be weird.
Note that in spoken English such verbs are followed by object/that-clauses:
Ive always believed that she is weird.
8. after some prepositional verbs: call/count/depend/rely on/upon, hope/wait for.
Dont count on me to find a solution to your problems.
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

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Chapter 1: The Infinitive

1.5.2. The Nominative with the Infinitive
In the sentence His son is said to be a good student, the relationship between his son and the
IP to be a good student, is that between a logical subject and a logical predicate. As in the case
of the ACC. with the INF., its elements are in a predicative relation. On a syntactic level, the
infinitive performs the function of subject complement.
As a subject complement, the infinitive alternates with the gerund in sentences like:
My intention was not to hurt him.
To know the truth is to take action.
On the other hand, it may be the passive counterpart of the active construction the ACC. with
the INF. Consequently, it can follow the passive form of most of the verbs used in the ACC. with
the INF., with the exception of those expressing intention/desire which cannot be used in
passive constructions (want, wish etc.).
So, the nominative with the infinitive can be used in the passive voice after:
1. verbs of physical perception (see, hear, listen, observe, notice etc.);
2. causative verbs (cause, have, make, get, compel, drive, encourage, oblige, prompt, lead
etc.);
3. declarative verbs (say, tell, declare etc.). Note that the verbs to say and to certify can be
used only in the nominative with the infinitive);
4. verbs expressing mental activities (fancy, imagine, know, believe, suppose, think, consider
etc.);
5. verbs of order, permission, request (allow, permit, authorize, command, summon,
recommend, request, require etc.) .
Besides these categories of verbs that can also be followed by an acc. with the inf., the
nominative with the infinitive occurs in the active voice with:
a)
some intransitive verbs such as: happen, chance, prove, turn out, appear, seem:
He happens to come this very afternoon.
She seemed to have understood my position, didnt she?
Note that in spoken English, a subject-clause usually replaces the construction: It happens that
he comes this . It seemed that she had understood )
b)
the link/copula verb to be followed by adjectives like certain, sure, (un)likely:
He is sure to be late as usual.
Are they likely to be working so late?
1.5.3. The For-To Infinitive
A for-to construction is called for if the subject of the subordinate clause is distinct from the
subject of the main clause. The relationship between the elements is also of the implicit
predicative type.
Unlike the other two infinitival constructions, the for-to infinitive can perform several
syntactic functions that will be further specified. The construction is used:
a) in impersonal patterns (the so called introductory/anticipatory IT + be/seem/appear), after
such evaluative adjectives like: easy, (im)possible, good, advisable, (un)necessary,
useless/useful,
difficult,
imperative,
urgent,
or
evaluative
nouns
like:
a(n)
pleasure/great/joy/pity/insult/pain in the
It seems/is/appears rather difficult for him to find another job.
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

15

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

Its a great joy for all of us to get together on such an occasion.
Notes:
since normative/prescriptive judgment is at stake with such adjectives/ nouns, the for-to
construction is roughly equivalent to a subjunctive clause:
It is necessary for prices to go down to prevent the collapse of economy.
It is necessary that prices (should) go down
these patterns are intended for a certain thing/ person; nevertheless, they can have a
general/indefinite application when the for+noun/pronoun are omitted:
Its impossible to make him see things right.
other frequent colloquial noun phrases used with this construction are: any/no/not much/little
use, any/no good, the fashion, good/bad taste, high time.
the following patterns are also intended to apply to a certain person/thing: adjectives. (bold,
hard, considerate, generous, (un)kind, decent, (im)polite, rude, silly, wise, wrong, ) + of
somebody to do something or somebody is adjective to do something:
It is wise of him to co-operate with this company.
He is wise to

the of constructions can be transformed into an exclamation:

How wise (it is) of him to co-operate

b) After certain indefinite pronouns:

There is nothing for us to do here. There was nowhere for her to go.
c) After some transitive or prepositional verbs, which accept both the for-to infinitive and a forprepositional object or a prepositional object introduced by a different preposition: wait, long,
consent, beg, vote, be happy, provide:
I would be surprised/happy for him to win the contest.
Syntactic Functions:
subject anticipated by meaningless/dummy it, having a subject complement expressed by
an adjective or a noun; the infinitive here is a noun modifier or modifier of an adjective:
It is easy for you to make such an allegation.
It was the proper time for her to start taking action.
adverbial modifier of purpose, of manner (where the infinitive functions as modifier of an
adjective), of result:
We stepped back for the chairman to enter the room.
I am anxious for my friend to meet them.
The sentence was too difficult for them to translate.
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

16

Chapter 1: The Infinitive

Are they upon such good terms as for her to disclose the uncomfortable truth?

attribute, where the infinitive is a noun modifier:

Here are some clues for you to use in solving the case.
There are some letters for you to sign before you leave.

Additional Notes on the Infinitive

1. agreement of the infinitive: the incorrect agreement of the infinitive with a certain subject
is a rather frequent error:
To write well, a thorough knowledge of grammar is necessary.
To be always happy, a sense of humour is essential.
This incorrect construction is known as a dangling infinitive and the above sentences should
be rephrased as:
To write well, one should have a / A thorough knowledge of grammar is necessary if we
want to write well.
2.
anaphoric TO: verbs, nouns and adjectives that may take an infinitive with TO, may also
be followed by TO without an infinitive, to refer to a preceding verb/verb group:
Dont go there alone unless you simply have to.
Sometimes TO may be dropped, but when it appears, it makes reference to the preceding
verb/verb group more explicit. After some verbs it cannot be omitted without a change in
meaning:
Go if you want to!
I dont care (to).
This is known as the implicit infinitive. If the infinitive is be/have we usually keep it:
Isnt he the leader here? No, and he doesnt want to be!

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17

Chapter 2: The ing form

Chapter 2. THE -ING FORM

The ING form is a very complex matter in the English language. There are quite many words
ending in ing, but they can be classified according to the different syntactic functions they
perform, or according to the determiners and modifiers they can dispose of. Consequently, we
distinguish:
a) ING words with an independent value, words that detached long ago from a possible verbal origin:
everything, sibling, pudding.
b) Words having a verbal origin, which have developed into parts of speech with an independent status,
with no verb functions and which can be: verbal nouns or verbal adjectives.
VERBAL NOUNS
As verbal nouns, these ING forms:
a) may have a definite/indefinite/zero article preceding them:
This period might be considered the beginning of a new era.
Crying doesnt help anyone.
b) may be determined by different types of adjectives (possessive, demonstrative, qualifying):
Our missing the plane was most embarrassing. This reading is not fit for your age.
Her unexpected coming was a great surprise for everybody.
c) may take their own object:
The reading of this novel does not mean too much for me.
d) may have plural forms:
His unexpected comings and goings madden me.Her writings are widely appreciated.
e) may perform the syntactic functions of a noun (subject, subject complement, attribute,
object):
Living and dying are individual experiences. Drinking is a social disease.
Touching is seeing with your fingers. The pleasure of meeting new people is a hobby I cannot
give up so easily. We pray hoping for the backing of God.
One can achieve almost anything through training and learning.
VERBAL ADJECTIVES
They have a verbal origin and behave as true adjectives, i.e. they express a quality, are premodifiers to a noun and have the syntactic function of an attribute:
His amazing appearance took us by surprise. Everybody was greatly surprised by this
astonishing news.
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Chapter 2: The ing form

AS GERUND
It is translated into Romanian as GERUNDIV, due to its different characteristics from those of
the Romanian GERUNZIU.
From a formal point of view, the gerund and the present participle are alike, hence their being
often mistaken one for the other. The gerund has both verb and noun characteristics. This can
be clearly pointed out by the determiners and modifiers it can have, as well as the syntactic
functions it can perform in the sentence.
1. Verb characteristics:
- it has different forms for tense and voice:
As a child, I was very fond of mountaineering. They are very proud of having succeeded in
getting working visas. I dont mind being seen with her. At that stage of negotiation, their offer
was far from having been rejected.
Mark that the indefinite gerund can express:
- an action (present, past or future) simultaneous with the action of the predicative verb in the
sentence:
We all objected to his leaving a wife and two kids.
- an action previous to the one expressed by such main verbs as THANK, EXCUSE, FORGIVE,
or after such prepositions as WITHOUT, ON, UPON. Note that these situations may also be
rendered by the perfect gerund:
I apologize for being late. To our surprise, he left without saying goodbye.
-

an action following the one expressed by verbs like RELY ON, COUNT ON/UPON, INTEND,
INSIST, or after the preposition BEFORE:
I rely on his arriving here pretty soon. She intends going there tomorrow.
Before accepting the new job, I had a two month holiday.
Another important verb characteristic of the gerund is that it can have:
- a (logical) subject: Do you mind her leaving now?
- a direct object (when the verb is transitive): I hate telling the same thing over and over again.
- an indirect object: After giving/having given me the book, he went home.
- an adverbial modifier of place, of time, of manner: What about going there this summer? Do
you mind my coming earlier? He seems incapable of driving carefully when he is tired.
2. Noun characteristics:
- the gerund may be determined by an adjective or a noun in the possessive case:
She insisted on my telling her everything I knew. He offered him a nights lodging.
- it may be preceded by a preposition:
After reaching the office, he realized he had forgotten his keys at home.
I am really tired of listening to nonsense. That goes without saying.
* Note that TO may be followed by a gerund when it is a preposition, not the infinitive marker:
Im looking forward to seeing you. She is used to sleeping on the couch.
There is no objection to your working in this department.
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Chapter 2: The ing form

The prepositions EXCEPT, BUT, THAN (the last two only when they have the same meaning as
the first one), may also be followed by an infinitive:
She does nothing except/but/than sing(ing) all day.
-

it may perform the syntactic function of subject, direct object (after AVOID, ENJOY, FANCY,
FINISH, CONSIDER, TRY, DELAY/POSTPONE), adverbial modifier of time, cause,
purpose, manner, part of a prepositional object, attribute or part of a prepositional attribute,
functioning as a noun modifier:
Watching T.V. is fun, but also a terrible waste of time. Avoid interfering in other peoples
businesses. His essay is worth reading. On hearing the news, he left. She apologized for
starting the experiment without me. We started at dawn intending to reach the chalet before
dark. I will go on by pointing out the second aspect of the matter. She aims at getting the gold
medal in the Olympics. Its a pity to miss the opportunity of hearing this violinist.

CASES OF USE
The indefinite gerund is used:
after certain prepositions: after, through, before, by, for, from, on, with, like, to, in, without.
I raised the necessary amount of money by selling my house in Brasov.
after nouns followed by a preposition:
He seems to have lost interest in writing poetry. I have no objection to listening to your story
again. They clearly showed their disappointment at finding out that they had been lied to. He
couldnt give any reason for his being so rude the other day.
Dont miss the opportunity of joining our trip.
after adjectives with preposition:
Im very anxious about inviting him here as soon as possible. When he was younger he was
very good at wrestling. Every time I look for him, he is busy working in his beloved garden.
after verbs with preposition or adverbial particle:
Dont you ever laugh at somebodys being in a trouble.
Now seems to be a good time to conclude by saying that

after verbs expressing mental activities (verbs of mental cognition): understand, forget,
remember, recollect, imagine, fancy, mind.

after verbs of emotion/feeling: like, love, prefer, regret, hate, etc.

* Note that
- the gerund is used for general statements, the infinitive for statements about a particular
occasion: I like skating, but I dont like to skate today, on such a cold weather.
- the infinitive expresses a perfective action, the gerund an imperfective one:
He likes to smoke a cigarette and then go for a walk. He likes smoking a cigarette by the
fireplace.
- the infinitive often refers to the subject of the sentence, the gerund may also refer to some
other agent:
I dont like to trifle with serious things (myself). I dont like trifling with serious things (either
myself or someone else).
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

20

Chapter 2: The ing form

after such phrases as its no good/use, cant help/stand/resist/stop, theres no:
Its no use wasting your time here. I couldnt help asking when he had become so smart.
Theres no accounting for tastes.
after the adjective worth (while):
If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

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21

Chapter 3: The present/ ing participle

Chapter 3. THE PRESENT/-ING PARTICIPLE

The traditional name present participle is open to the objection that the verbal form it denotes
does not necessarily refer to the present, just as a past participle need not refer to the past. We
also have the alternatives imperfect and perfect participles, considering that a form like 'going'
usually expresses incomplete action, a form like 'gone' a completed one, or also -ing participle
and -ed participles. None seems to cover all the uses of these forms. This is the reason why we
shall not discard the traditional terms.
CHARACTERISTICS
The participle has both VERB and ADJECTIVE characteristics.
1. VERB characteristics
The same as the gerund, with which it is often mistaken, the present participle has distinct forms
for voice and aspect:
- taking
- being taken
- having taken
- having been taken

- indefinite aspect, active voice;

- indefinite aspect, passive voice;
- perfect aspect, active voice;
- perfect aspect, passive voice.

The indefinite participle expresses an action or a state simultaneous with that of the predicate of
the sentence:
When reading books in English, I come/came/shall come across unknown words.
The perfect participle expresses an action or a state prior to that of the predicate of the
sentence:
Having driven for two hours, I felt rather tired.
* Note that with verbs of physical perception or of movement (COME, ARRIVE), anteriority is
rendered:
Seeing him in the council chamber, I went to bid him welcome.
From a syntactic point of view, the present participle can take:
- a subject: I heard her humming a famous tune.
- a direct object: Hearing footsteps, I went to see who it was.
- an indirect object: Youve made him happy by giving him such a good news.
- different adverbial modifiers: Leaving yesterday, Pete made a big mistake.
I saw him walking slowly on the snow covered alleys.
2. ADJECTIVE characteristics
2.1. The participle as NOUN PREMODIFIER
*Note that the gerund may also be the premodifier of a noun. We can distinguish between them
by asking what the person or thing is doing. For example, of the phrase wrapping paper we
22
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Chapter 3: The present/ ing participle

cannot ask whats the paper doing, as the answer would be a nonsense. We must ask what is it
for?, thus identifying the gerund. On the other hand, of the phrase sleeping child we can ask
whats the child doing?, because sleeping makes sense. This is a participle. Moreover, when a
gerund is used as a premodifier, there is a primary stress on it and a second stress on the noun.
We usually place a primary stress on the noun when it is preceded by a present participle,
which may have a primary or secondary stress.
Compare greying hair, balding man, setting sun, running water, coming year, falling star with
bathing resort, drawing room, fishing rod, swimming pool.
Some present participles have become mere adjectives with the corresponding characteristics:
they can be added the suffix ly to form adverbs, have degrees of comparison, can be part of a
participial construction with the syntactic function of an attribute:
blood - freezing scream, heart breaking story, body building exercises,
fast spreading fire, sweet smelling cream, good looking girl,
never ending story.
In the constructions above, the participles take an object or an adverb or an adjective used as
an adverb, thus reaching full adjectival status.
2.2. The participle as NOUN POSTMODIFIER
As a postmodifier, the participial phrase comes after the noun (headword) and is equivalent of a
whole sub-clause (attributive clause):
Who is the man standing in the corner? Whose is the book lying on the floor? Here is a letter
announcing his arrival. My uncle living abroad is coming home.
It may function as an apposition (appositive clause): His current research, investigating attitudes
to racial stereotypes, takes up most of his time.
Participial phrases as postmodifiers are punctuated in the same way as attributive clauses,
depending on whether the phrase is RESTRICTIVE (indispensable, defining, no use of
commas), or NONRESTRICTIVE (optional, non-defining, not common in informal conversation,
separated by commas from the rest of the sentence).

CASES OF USE
1. To form the progressive aspect, in the active or passive;
2. in incidental participial phrases (stereotyped phrases), where the participle does not refer to
any particular word in the sentence that could be considered its subject. This is called
UNRELATED/DANGLING
PARTICIPLE:
considering
the
circumstances,
strictly/generally/roughly speaking, seeing that, counting from today, beginning with, judging
by appearances, taking everything into account;
3. the present participle as preposition or conjunction: concerning, providing, supposing,
regarding, barring: Barring accidents he should be here in two days. We can leave
providing/provided (that) he agrees. Supposing/suppose we lose everything, what then?
4. in special constructions:
the ACCUSATIVE with the - ING PARTICIPLE,
the NOMINATIVE with the -ING PARTICIPLE,
the ABSOLUTE NOMINATIVE with the ING
PARTICIPLE.

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23

Chapter 4: The past/ ed participle

SYNTACTIC FUNCTIONS
The syntactic functions performed by the present participle can be clearly pointed out by
replacing it with the corresponding adverbial clause.
As a matter of fact, in current speech this second option is preferred to the one using the
participle.
1. ATTRIBUTE (all important details have been given above);
2. ADVERBIAL MODIFIER or PART of an ADV. MOD. :
- of time: Hearing footsteps, I hurried to open the door. (=when I heard )
- of cause: Being very poor, they couldnt buy a house. (=As they were)
- of condition: Dinning outside upon the terrace, you may catch a cold. (=If you dine)
- of comparison: Jim was playing tennis as if being a professional. (=as if he
were)
- of attending circumstances: That evening we stayed indoors talking about the good old
days. With the dog bouncing in front of him, he started on his way.
3. PART of a COMPLEX DIRECT OBJECT (OBJECT COMPLEMENT)
in the ACC. with the ING PART., or PART of a COMPLEX SUBJECT (SUBJECT
COMPLEMENT) in the NOM. with the ING PART..

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTIONS with the PRESENT PARTICIPLE

1. ACCUSATIVE (object) with the PRESENT PARTICIPLE

The present participle may be regarded as a predicative adjunct to the object of these verbs.
The verbs followed by this construction are the same as those followed by a NOMINATIVE with
PRESENT PARTICIPLE, which is its passive counterpart.
1.1. Verbs commonly called verbs of perception: see, feel, hear, notice, observe, perceive,
sense, watch: We heard them laughing in the next room.
*Note that the ACCUSATIVE with the INFINITIVE may also be used here. The distinction
between the two is that the one with the infinitive merely states the action whereas the one with
the participle views the action in progress (perfective/vs/imperfective). Sometimes the distinction
is one between completion and incompletion: I saw him walking across the road. (=on the way
across)
I saw him walk (=from one side to the other)
After these verbs in the passive, we use the infinitive with to or the present participle:
The woman was seen to check in at this hotel. The woman was seen checking in at this hotel.
1.2. Other verbs, but without the alternative construction with a bare infinitive: catch, find, get,
imagine, keep, leave, set, start, have, spot, discover: You wont catch me doing that again.
The news set him thinking. The search team discovered/spotted/found the man clinging to a
rock. Never keep a lady waiting.
His answer left me wondering what he was getting at. Her few words said in passing set me
thinking.
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24

Chapter 4: The past/ ed participle

-SPOT, FIND and DISCOVER can also be followed by an object + past/-ed participle:
The police found the money hidden in an old garage.
They may also be followed by a that clause, or by an object + to be/to have, in which case the
verbs suggest the discovery of a fact rather than the act, an intellectual awareness rather than a
physical perception:
Men of science found that the theory was correct. Men of science found the theory to be correct.
- LEAVE and KEEP (someone in a certain situation or condition) share some of the
characteristics of FIND and DISCOVER. They can be followed by an object + a pres./past part.:
He left/kept everybody waiting in the restaurant. He left his car parked nearby.
- GET + -ing part./to-inf.: I found it difficult to get things going. I cannot get him to apologize.
2. NOMINATIVE with PRESENT PARTICIPLE: the verbs that take an accusative with present
participle may also stand in the passive:
He admitted that he had been discovered stealing.
3. ABSOLUTE NOMINATIVE with PRESENT PARTICIPLE
All types of participles may have a subject of their own expressed by a noun-personal pronoun.
The absolute phrase may be active or passive:
My car being out of order, I had to walk. Everybody having left, nothing could be done. The
question being settled, we went home. None of the people present having any further remarks
to make, I suppose we can close our meeting.
The syntactic function is that of an adverbial modifier which can be developed into a
corresponding adverbial clause of time, cause, condition.

PARTICIPLES OR GERUNDS
The distinction between a present participle and a gerund is made on the basis of the functions
they perform, not on their outward form. As stated before, gerunds either function as nouns
standing alone, or operate as verbs in non-finite noun clauses: Thank God the fighting has
stopped! Shutting down the factory means putting so many people out of work.
Participles either function as verbal adjectives, or operate as verbs in non-finite clauses, most
often than not, the equivalent of adjectival or adverbial clauses:
Two children were trapped in the blazing house. Having signed the final agreement, the two
primeministers shook hands and were taken photos by the press representatives. (=When they
had signed )
*Note that the participle is related to a noun (the subject of the main clause), and students
should avoid what is called a misrelated participle:
Standing in the middle of an immensely large and empty room, the feeling of loneliness and
frustration could be deeply felt. (instead of: I could feel)
Being a wet day, we stayed at home. (instead of: The day being wet, we )

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25

Chapter 4: The past/ ed participle

Chapter 4. THE PAST/-ED PARTICIPLE

As the present participle is identical in form with the gerund, so the past participle of all regular
and some irregular verbs is identical with the past tense, and is to be distinguished from this one
by its functions in the sentence.
SYNTACTIC FUNCTIONS
1. ATTRIBUTE/NOUN MODIFIER
Like certain quasi-participial forms in ing (amusing, charming, interesting),
some past participles may be purely adjectival in meaning: distinguished (=eminent), fixed/set
(=steady), tired (=weary), pleased (=glad). These words may also occur as real participles:
Compare He had distinguished himself by great bravery with Here are our distinguished guests.
Some such participial adjectives, unlike the corresponding ed participles, have their ending
pronounced [id], no matter what the preceding sound:
aged woman, beloved wife, crooked means, learned man, naked body, cursed nuisance,
distinguished scientist.
Some may be preceded by UN:
unexpected meeting, unarmed troops, unknown hero, unheard-of event, uncared-for children,
undeserved punishment, undreamed-of wealth.
Past participles may combine with adverbs/adjectives used as adverbs:
well-known writer, clean-shaven face, long-forgotten memories, badly-written letter, hard-earned
money.
They may form compounds with other words:
frost-bitten hands, home-made cake.
*Note that adjectives derived from nouns cannot be regarded as participles:
a three-legged stool, a white-faced girl.
**Note also that some verbs have different participle forms for verbal and adjectival use:
drunk/drunken, molt/molten, shaved/shaven.
The ed participle can function both as a premodifier of a noun (broken cup, written promise,
spoken language) and a postmodifier of it, in the latter case being equivalent of a whole subclause (attributive), being punctuated as such, depending on whether the participle phrase is
restrictive (defining) or nonrestrictive (non-defining, optional):
The photos taken in Italy are wonderful. (restrictive attributive cl.)
Their son, spoiled by his parents, never became a responsible adult. (non-restrictive attributive
cl.)
*Note the construction NP + as + -ed:
He is telling the story as seen by himself at the time.

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26

Applications
2. SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
In a predicative use, the past participle of a transitive verb may express the state or condition
resulting from the action indicated by the verb. The verb connecting the participle with the
subject is usually BE, but also APPEAR, FEEL, LIE, LOOK, REMAIN, SEEM:
The village was/appeared/looked/seemed quite deserted. He felt/was/looked/seemed
thoroughly disappointed.
*Note that in the above examples, though implying action, the ed participle chiefly denotes
resultative CONDITION, some of them being almost equivalent of predicative adjectives
(deserted=empty).
When the idea of ACTION is predominant, the group BE + -ED PART. forms the category of the
passive voice, as in: His letters were written by a secretary.
3. OBJECT COMPLEMENT
The past participle of transitive verbs may be used as object complement/predicative adjunct to
the objects of verbs like SEE, HEAR, FEEL, FIND, GET, MAKE, LIKE, WANT, WISH, ORDER.
The construction may be identified as ACCUSATIVE with ED/PAST PARTICIPLE.
He had seen villages evacuated, bridges blown up and railways destroyed. He heard his name
called. She was greatly surprised to find herself elected president. We must get the laws
obeyed.
Unlike the Acc. with infinitive and the Acc. with present part., this special construction has no
passive counterpart. After LIKE, WANT, WISH, ORDER, the ACCUSATIVE with PASSIVE
INFINITIVE also occurs: I want it (to be) done by the end of the week.
I dont like such subjects (to be) discussed.
*Note that in all the above examples, the past participle expresses a RESULT.
Special attention should be given to the use of the Acc. with the present participle after
causative HAVE. The person performing the action may or may not be mentioned:
If he wont behave, Ill have him locked up by the police.
When HAVE is causative, the finites are never anomalous:
How often do you have your hair cut?
The verb GET is also found in this construction:
Where did you get your linen washed?
The same construction is used after HAVE in the sense of EXPERIENCE/SUFFER:
He had his licence suspended for reckless driving. He had his leg amputated.
The construction also occurs with HAVE in the sense of HOLD/POSSESS:
The operation may be expensive, and I have no money saved. The Romans had the Persians
army surrounded.
4. ADVERBIAL MODIFIER OF TIME/CAUSE/MANNER/CONCESSION/COMPARISON
The work finished, we went home. Freightened to death, he couldnt move. The two men sat
fascinated by their first sight of television. Born in better times, he would have become a great
poet. Without a word spoken, he went away. Though severely hurt, the driver was able to walk
to the ambulance. He was listening speechless, as if struck by her reproachful words.

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27

Applications
ABSOLUTE NOMINATIVE with PAST PARTICIPLE
Like the present participle, the past/-ed participle of a transitive verb may be used in the
absolute participial constructions, where it has its own subject, different from that of the
predicate of the sentence:
This done, we packed up everything and went home. All things considered, it is not such a
bargain.

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

28

Applications

APPLICATIONS

* Keep in mind that the infinitive can have the following syntactic functions:

1.
2.
3.
4.

subject: To drink too much is, at least, unwise. It is necessary to read the whole article.
subject complement: To decide is to act. He is believed to be the best so far.
object: Why should you refuse to go with her? I dont know what to do first.
object complement: He asked them to attend to the guests properly. We could but watch
him go. (the acc. with the inf.)
5. adverbial modifier: We remained to finish the work.
6. noun post-modifier: Here is something for you to take care of. She is not the person to
give in so easily.
7. adjective modifier: Youre very kind to help me. Im sorry for you to leave so soon.
1. Make up sentences of your own according to the patterns below:

It+V+O+S (=IP): It puzzled me to find him there.

It+V+SC+S (=IP): Its a luxury to go on holiday twice a year.
It+V+SC+S (=IP): It was necessary for me to see him.
It+V+SC (AP+of+NP)+S (=IP): Its nice of you to look after our dog.

2. Find the subject complement in the following sentences and state what it is
expressed by:
She seems to have been crying. He appeared to have been satisfied with the results. They were
requested to be ready by the next day. You prove to be working ceaselessly when you really
want something done. She is supposed to observe the rules if she wants to play the game.
3. Change the construction of the sentences and use infinitives:
He claims that he knows everything. He claimed that he knew everything. He claimed that he
had settled the matter. We didnt claim that we had been working on the project. We forgot that
we had to do it. I hope I didnt hurt you; I didnt mean that.
4. Put the verbs and pronouns in brackets in the correct forms:
The sad news made (she, lie) awake all night and (keep, she) thinking. I didnt expect (he,
understand) what it all meant to me. The owner wanted (I, do) the job for a place to eat and
sleep. I got (they, take) care of food and drinks for the party. The talk with him made (we, feel)
beside ourselves with joy. We believe (she, be) appointed head of the department.
5. State tense, aspect and voice of the infinitive forms in the following sentences:
I am glad to be flying on such a good plane. We were very honored to be invited to the party.
She seems to have done everything on her own. He is said to have been taught only by reputed
professors. The appointments in the newspaper were to be answered by letter only. They were
supposed to have been working very hard on the project which proved, indeed to be a success.
29
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

Applications
6. Identify the form and function of the infinitives:
The station began to transmit signals. He repeated all the words so as to make no mistakes in
spelling. I should take a taxi in order to get my friend to the station. It was too late to find where
they were. We stopped to have a smoke. The machinery to be installed in the workshop was
built by a Dutch machine-building plant. He seems to have been waiting for a long time. He is
said to be living in Nicaragua. The 20th century is known to be the age of the nuclear power and
of the image. This, in my opinion, is a chance not to be missed. It must be seen to be believed.
He was happy to have won the competition and to have been given the prize money in cash. I
am sorry to be giving you so much trouble. Didnt it annoy you to be left behind? It seemed
useless to go on. It would be foolish of you not to grasp this attractive opportunity. I cant afford
to pay so much/bear to see her cry. Be careful not to let slip such an opportunity. To my mind,
he was quite right to decline the invitation.
7.a. Give passive infinitives corresponding to the following active ones:
To borrow, to have built, to bury, to have followed, to forget, to have driven.
7.b. Give perfect infinitives (both passive and active, wherever possible) corresponding
to the following ones:
To give, to answer, to lose, to offer.
8. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the infinitive (with/ without to, active/
passive, progressive/ non-progressive, perfect/ non-perfect):
The mild climate will surely allow the tender plant (place) in the open air. The woman was
observed (follow) him closely. He hated (have) (treat) her like that the day before. The patient
was known (suffer) from the same disease for years. The house wants (paint). You neednt
(bother) so much about it. It might (be) pleasant for them (remember) on Christmas who made
lame beggars (walk) and blind man (see). It cant be true! I just know he couldnt (react) so
rudely on such an occasion. The best thing (do) is (shelve) something you can do nothing
about. He was pretty sure his wife was not the woman (say) something like that.
9. Gerund or infinitive? Rephrase the sentences below, choosing between the two nonfinite forms; when both are possible, explain the difference in meaning, if any:
Make sure you check your spelling before handing in your paper.
Remember
The accused man said he had never seen the victim.
The accused man denied
I remember that I was first introduced to her when we went on that picnic.
I remember
Forgive me for interrupting you.
I am sorry
Its a pity I didnt see their performance last night.
I regret
Making speeches in front of a large audience doesnt disturb him at all.
He is used
When I ran into him the other day, we started talking.
When I ran into him the other day, we stopped
Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

30

Applications
There is no good movie on at the moment.
No movie is
He claims that he did the work without any help.
He claims
James resolved that nothing should hold him back.
James resolved
He said it was true he was driving too fast.
He admitted
They ought to have informed the passengers that the train had been withdrawn from service
a week before.
The passengers
Pressed by the others, he confessed that it would be likely that the truth would come to light
later on.
Pressed by the others, he confessed it
* VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY TO-INFINITIVE (Verbs marked * can also be followed
by a that-clause):
*agree, *appear, *arrange, attempt, ask, choose, dare, *decide, *demand, deserve, *expect, fail,
grow, hasten, *happen, *hope, hurry, *learn, long, manage, neglect, offer, pay, *plan, *pledge,
*pretend, *promise, refuse, *resolve, seek, *seem, struggle, *swear, *threaten, *vow, want, *wish
* VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY -ING (Verbs marked * can also be followed by a thatclause:
*appreciate, avoid, contemplate, delay, *deny, detest, dislike, endure, enjoy, escape,
excuse,
face, *fancy, finish, involve, *mention, mind, miss, postpone, practice, *resent, risk, *suggest,
burst out, its no good/use, feel like, give up, keep on, leave off,
put
off,
cant
stand,
spend/waste time
10. Translate the following into English using infinitives:
Am intrat in sala de asteptare, dar nu era nimeni cu care sa pot sta de vorba.
Am repetat intrebarea destul de tare ca s-o auda si el, cu toate ca era genul de persoana care
se face ca nu aude ce nu-i convine.
El este cel care trebuie sa hotarasca in aceasta chestiune, asa ca ai face mai bine sa-l lasi in
pace.
A fost, ca sa nu spun mai mult, foarte neintelept din partea ta sa refuzi o asemena oferta.
Si cand te gandesti ca n-o sa-l mai vedem niciodata; sa-ti spun cinstit, m-am cam atasat de el.
Ca sa vorbesc pe sleau, sa te certi cu el nu este cel mai bun lucru pe care sa-l faci acum; mai
bine incerci sa fii intrutotul de acord cu sugestiile lui.
Nu uita sa-i transmiti mesajul exact asa cum ti l-am scris; nu tu trebuie sa hotarasti daca e
potrivit sau nu; aminteste-ti ca i-ai spus parerea ta si nu a parut interesata.
N-am vrut s-o fac sa planga, dar a trebuit sa-i spun vestea.
Pentru a-i aprecia pe deplin calitatile, ar trebui sa-l cunosti mai bine.
Se spune ca a fost invitat sa participle la conferinta, dar n-ar fi putut s-o faca pentru ca doctoral
l-a obligat sa ramana acasa.

Non-Finite Forms of the English Verb

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