verb "clause" or verb "phrase

Question

Hi everyone,
I just want to clarify a piece of terminology,

Peering over the fence, I saw John talking to Sally.

The part in bold, is it a "non-finite verb clause" or a "non-finite verb phrase"; and as a follow on to that, should it be called a "participial cause" or a "participial phrase"-- I've seen these terms used fairly interchangeably and I was wondering if there was a definite correct answer? It seems that at least some of the confusion comes from the fact that many people believe that if the clause/phrase has a verb, non-finite or otherwise, it's classed as a "clause", while others insist that only clauses with finite verbs should be classed as "clauses."

Can anyone go any way to giving me some clarification on this issue?
Thanks a lot in advance,
TT

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

twistedthistleThe part in bold, is it a "non-finite verb clause" or a "non-finite verb phrase";

Both terms are in use.

twistedthistle I've seen these terms used fairly interchangeably

That should be your clue to usage.

twistedthistleIt seems that at least some of the confusion comes from the fact that many people believe that if the clause/phrase has a verb, non-finite or otherwise, it's classed as a "clause", while others insist that only clauses with finite verbs should be classed as "clauses."

That's about it.

twistedthistleCan anyone go any way to giving me some clarification on this issue?

You've clarified it yourself as much as it is going to be clarified; the rest is opinion or personal preference.

Twistedthistle · Answer

Thanks Mr. M. I just wanted to be sure that I'd understood the matter as it stands.
All best,
TT

RandomGuy · Answer

twistedthistleThe part in bold, is it a "non-finite verb clause" or a "non-finite verb phrase"

Here’s a post explaining why such expressions are best regarded as clauses (although technically they are both clauses and verb phrases):

In addition to what is said there, the verb can even take an overt subject: They ate in the living room, she/her sitting on the couch and he/him on the floor.

twistedthistlewhile others insist that only clauses with finite verbs should be classed as "clauses."

Yet, inconsistently, they call imperatives clauses.

verb "clause" or verb "phrase

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