Participle vs. infinitive
On the web, there is this example of cumulative sentences (Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence):
WE hold these Truths to be self-evident: that all Men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with inherent and* [certain] inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness: that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people … to alter or … abolish it, … & to institute new government, … laying it's foundation on such principles, … & organizing it's powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.
I’m trying to analyze the structure of this sentence, but at the end I see: three infinitives, and two participle phrases.
Is there a reason why the sentence switches into participles?
Thank you!
Top answer
The infinitives in this passage are either infinitives of purpose ( to secure these rights = in order to secure these rights ) or part of the grammar of the word "right", which is followed by an infinitive ( the right to alter; the right to institute ), not by a participle. Participle clauses are typically used for secondary ideas that are related to the main ideas but do not have primary importance in themselves. CJ
- The infinitives in this passage are either infinitives of purpose ( to secure these rights = in order to secure these rights ) or part of the grammar of the word "right", which is followed by an infinitive ( the right to alter; the right to institute ), not by a participle.
- Participle clauses are typically used for secondary ideas that are related to the main ideas but do not have primary importance in themselves.
- CJ
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The infinitives in this passage are either infinitives of purpose (to secure these rights = in order to secure these rights) or part of the grammar of the word "right", which is followed by an infinitive (the right to alter; the right to institute), not by a participle.
Participle clauses are typically used for secondary ideas that are related to the main ideas but do not h
0Here is the final text from the National Archives, the authoritative source. There were many many drafts and changes. It is important to realize that this was written in 1776 and the punctuation and word usage has evolved since that time.
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/dec
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