Finite vs. Non-Finite Structures in Fiction

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the ratio of occurrences of finite and non-finite structures in English texts of fictional literature, especially with regard to their syntactic functions. The theoretical part provides the description of individual types of finite and non-finite clauses and their expected use in selected texts. In the practical part, the analysis is based on the theory introduced in the first part of the paper. The actual occurrence of these structures in individual syntactic functions is studied on several samples of fictional literature and the differences in their use are clarified.