Non-finite Structures as a Means of Condensation in Scientific Style

Abstract

This work deals with one of the specifics of the syntax of scientific style in English, namely, the use of non-finite structures. Main attention will be paid to the use of these structures as a means of condensation, with the aim to find out how the condensity of these structures is achieved and in which cases they can be considered to be alternatives to full clauses. First, this will be done from the theoretical point of view: the three main types of non-finite structures, i.e. infinitive, gerund and participle, will be presented and their condensing uses as nominal, relative and adverbial clauses will be analysed. In the following analysis of a scientific text, the frequency of occurence of the types in the particular functions will be discussed (in this connection some unclear cases for the analysis will be mentioned). The focus will be laid especially on the effectivity of these structures as a means of condensation in scientific style, on the meaning conveyed by them and the factors that influence the possibility of seeing them as condensed full clauses.