Non-finite Clauses

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Non-finite clauses as a complement of iarr 'ask'

Dh'iarr Iain air Anna leabhar a cheannach.
ask.pst John on Anna book tran buy.vn
'John asked Anna to buy a book.'

Non-finite clause as a complement of gun

Chaidh am balach dhan a' sgoil gun Iain a fhaicinn.
go.pst the.sg.m boy.sg.m to.the the.sg.f school.sg.f Neg.Decl.Comp John poss.3sg.m see.vn
*'The boy went to the school without Iain seeing him.'

Non-finite clause in causative constructions

Thug Iain air Anna an leabhar a thoirt do Mhàiri.
give.pst John on/perf Anna the.sg.m book.sg.m tran give.vn to Mary
'John made Anna give the book to Mary.'

Non-finite clause as a complement of modal verbs

Feumaidh Iain an leabhar a cheannach.
need.fut John the.sg.m book.sg.m tran buy.vn
'John must [has to] buy the book.'

Non-finite clause as a subject

Is còir do Iain an leabhar a cheannach.
cop.pres right to John.dat the.sg.m book.sg.m tran buy.vn
'John should buy the book.'

See Also