• The uses of the subordinate clauses from their

functions and categories (finite – nonfinite) in

complex sentences:-

1- Subject:-

The subject itself is used to define the person who makes the verb. It usually occurs
on the first of the sentence.

ex.:-

 That he can study hard is good for him to do his exams. Subject ( Finite Clause )

 To write good characters in the play is the same to write some good characteristic to the
actors. Subject ( Non-Finite. To participle Clause )

 Smoking cigarettes in the class is illegal. Subject ( Non-Finite. ing participle clause )

****

2- Direct object:-

It only comes on sentences which have transitive verbs to make a full sense of the
sentences.

ex.:-

 I think that I have some money. Direct object (Finite Clause).

 I would like to graduate early. Direct Object ( Non-Finite. To participle Clause )

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  I promise not to smoke again. Direct Object ( Non-Finite. To participle Clause )

 Most people enjoy having breakfast in bed. Direct Object ( Non-Finite. ing participle Clause )

****

3- Indirect object:-

It is used to tell to whom the action of the verb is done. In order to have an indirect
object, the sentence must have a direct object.

ex.:-

 He gave whoever came the new print of his book. Indirect Object ( Finite Clause )

 Notice: - We must distinguish between Indirect object and Benifactive

object; because the only different between them is Ind. Obj takes (to) in its
structure, but Ben. Obj takes (for).

 We cannot use indirect obj as a non-finite clause; it just comes as a finite

clause.

****

4- Benifactive Object:-

Is used in the same position as indirect object but the only different is that
Benifactive object used (for) with it, and ind. Obj used to.
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Syntax – Mohammad H. Swaiss

  The same point as indirect object we can’t use Benifactive object as a
non-finite clause.

ex.

 He stopped a taxi for his daughter. Benifactive Object ( Finite Clause )

****

5- Subject Complement:-

From its name, the subject complement is used to complete the sentence by saying
something about the subject.

 The Subject Complement comes after (Linking Verb)

ex.

 He doesn’t want to be what his father wants. Subject Complement ( Finite Clause )

 The problem is where to hide it. Subject Complement ( Non Finite. To participle Clause )

 The most surprising thing was John being elected chairman.

Subject Complement ( Non Finite. ing participle Clause )

****
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6- Object Complement.

Syntax – Mohammad H. Swaiss

It is used to complete or to clarify the object.

 To have an object complement in a sentence, it must have an object.

ex.

 We will pronounce the winner whoever he is. Direct Object Object Complement ( Finite
Clause )

 I call that putting the cart before the horse. Direct Object Object Complement ( Non
Finite. ing Participle Clause )

****

7- Predicator Complement.

It is used just to complete the thought or the idea of the predicator (verb).

 Notice: - to distinguish between predicator complement and object, the

sentence couldn’t transfer to be passive in the case of sentences which
have predicator complement.

ex.:-

He resembles his father

We cannot say here:-

His father is resembled.

ex.:-

 This means that we shall have to check our data again. Predicator Compt ( Finite
Clause )

 The policeman affected not to hear me.

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Predicator Comp ( Non Finite. To Participle Clause )

Syntax – Mohammad H. Swaiss

  I cannot stand him making such silly remarks. Predicator Comp ( Non Finite. ing Participle Clause )

 He had his leg broken. Predicator Complement ( Non Finite. ed Participle Clause )

****

8- Adverbial:-

It is used to describe the occasion, the time, the place and so on of the sentence.

ex.
I’m going to leave the town on the next week. Adverbial

Similarly as:-

 You may go wherever you like. Adverbial (Finite Clause )

 Having lived in London for some time, he ought to know his way about.
Adverbial ( Non Finite. ing participle Clause )

 This said, it has to be conceded that the book falls short of our expectations.
Adverbial ( Non Finite. ed participle Clause )

 To speak fluently, you should live for some while in the US.
Adverbial ( Non Finite. to participle Clause )
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Syntax – Mohammad H. Swaiss

  References:

1- Aarts, Flor & Jan.

(English Syntactic Structures). 1986.

2- Chomsky.

(Syntactic Grammar).

3- Qurik, Randolph.

(A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language). 1950.

4- Swaiss, Moh’d.

(The Structure of the Complex Sentences). 2009.

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Syntax – Mohammad H. Swaiss