Nonfinite clause – proposition non finie
Let's Define It!
What's an *nonfinite clause*?
A nonfinite clause (in French, une proposition non finie) is one (i.e. clause) that cannot stand alone.
A nonfinite clause rarely takes any subject, and its verb is either infinitive, gerund or past participle) -- These three moods cannot be inflected (no inflection) for tense, person or number.
Finally, a nonfinite clause is a dependent clause that serves as a subject or a complement to a verb, preposition or noun.
For example, in "J'aime faire mes devoirs à temps.", faire is complement of the verb aime.
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Below I will give a few sentences including nonfinite clauses. They are underlined for your convenience.
- Boire beaucoup d'eau est bon pour la santé. / To drink/drinking a lot of water is good for your health. (infinitive)
- Virés sans avis par la compagnie, les travailleurs se sont mis en grève. Fired without notice by the company, the workers went on strike. (past participle)
- En revenant de la gare, j'ai rencontré Marie. Coming back from the station, I met Marie. (gerund)
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