Cause and result: non-finite clauses
having tried various methods
Non-finite clauses
We can describe cause and result using non-finite clauses. Study
the clause in bold:
- Having tried various other methods with
no success, the student decided to study online.
This is similar in meaning to:
- Because the student had tried various other
methods with no success, he decided to study online.
Note the non-finite clause beginning with having + participle often indicates that the second event was a result of the first. To negate a non-finite clause of this type, use not.
- Not having had enough oxygen at birth,
Nikki had learning difficulties.
1.
Non-finite clauses.
Rewrite the following
sentences by changing the finite clause in bold into a non-finite clause.
For example:
Because he had swum with the dolphins, Nikki learned to speak.
Having swum with the dolphins, Nikki learned to speak.