Мележик К. Н. Неличные формы глагола indd

There are three non-finite forms of the verb (verbals) in English: 

the infinitive, the gerund and the participle. They comprise nominal 

and verbal features. The Infinitive and the Gerund combine the 

characteristics of verb with those of noun; the Participle combines the 

features of verb and adjective. 

The tense distinctions of the verbals are not absolute (like those 

of the finite verb), but relative. The form of the verbal doesn’t 

show whether the action it denotes refers to the present, past or 

future; it shows only whether the action expressed by the verbal is 

simultaneous with or prior to the action expressed by the finite form 

of the verb.

All the verbals can form predicative constructions. Predicative 

constructions consist of two elements: nominal (noun or pronoun) 

and verbal (participle, infinitive or gerund). The verbal element 

stands in predicate relation to the nominal part, i.e. the relation 

similar to that between the subject and the predicate in the 

sentence.

, they returned more slowly home.

, они медленно вернулись 

домой.

Katherine being fatigued 

is a predicative construction with Participle 

I. The participle 

being fatigued 

stands in predicate relation to the proper 

noun Katherine, which denotes the doer of the action expressed by the 

participle.

In sentences a verbal may function: 

– as a single word

 is to act.

 – значит начать действовать.

– in phrases, i.e. with one or several accompanying words (an object 

or adverbial modifier to the verbal)

She tried to tranquillize him 

by reading aloud

.

Она пыталась успокоить его тем, что читала ему вслух.

There is no mistake 

. 

Не может быть никакого сомнения в том, что он – гений.