Non-finite clauses with subject

Question

Hey guys. I have a question regarding non-finite clauses: In this sentence: I want to do it. To do it is a to-infinitive phrase acting as a noun phrase which is the direct object of the verb "want". Fine. So, I will consider "To do it" to be a non-finite clause, which, in fact, is. Non-finite clauses generally lack subjects, but they can have a subject, so: I want you to do it. You to do it is a non-finite clause acting as a direct object of the verb "want", correct? Furthermore, if my presumption is right (which seems so), since to-infinitive phrases are non-finite clauses, and also can be nouns, which can act as subject of the sentence, then a to-infinitive phrase such as this: You to do it is what I want is correct, right? Non-finite clauses are infinitives, gerunds and participles; infinitive phrases can act as nouns, so theorically, my example would be right, correct?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

ProdigyIn this sentence: I want to do it. To do it is a to-infinitive phrase acting as a noun phrase which is the direct object of the verb "want".

More or less. Many grammarians nowadays shy away from the term "direct object" for an infinitive clause complement. They just say "infinitive clause complement" (of a certain verb).

That way you don't have to make a false comparison with a noun.

Prodigysince to-infinitive phrases are non-finite clauses

They are.

Prodigyand also can be nouns

Not really. Being able to occupy the same position in a sentence that a noun may occupy doesn't make something a noun or noun phrase. There is some similarity, but not identity.

ProdigyYou to do it is what I want

Not possible.

Prodigytheoretically, my example would be right, correct?

With whatever theory you are proceeding from, yes, but it's not a theory that explains the data (the facts of what is grammatical and what is not), so there's something wrong with the theory. In this case I would say it involves the conflation of verb complements with nouns.

It turns out that infinitive clauses with subjects can't themselves be subjects of sentences. Another kind of non-finite clause works in that position, however — a gerund clause: Your doing it is what I want. Nevertheless, when there is already another commonplace way of expressing a thought (I want you to do it), hardly any native speaker will actually generate such a sentence.

CJ

Addendum: Several hours later I just thought of this.

You can use an infinitive clause with a subject as a subject if it is expressible with the complementizer 'for' — at least in this example that came to mind.

It would not be a good idea for Angela to show up uninvited.
>
For Angela to show up uninvited would not be a good idea.

However, these are more likely to appear with dummy 'it', as shown in the first version above.

CJ

Non-finite clauses with subject

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