DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES OF ENGLISH NON-FINITE FUNCTIONS IN SENTENCES AND THEIR SEMANTICS AND PRAGMATICS

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes how non-finite forms of the verb, gerunds, participles, and infinitives have developed both historically, and synchronically in English. These are traced from the rudimentary structures of Old English, in which non-finite forms performed few functions, to the more developed system of Middle English, fuelled by the Norman French changes, with the introduction of the infinitive marker "to" and the more distinct appearance of gerunds. These forms were standardized during the Early Modern English period, with gerunds, participles, and infinitives becoming more syntactically flexible.

Keywords: diachronic evolution, Synchronic, Non-finite verb forms.

Introduction

The study of the forms of non-finite verbs in Old English lends important insight into the historical development of the English language and semantic and pragmatic functions that have evolved over time. This paper will explore the semantics and pragmatics of three primary non-finite forms in Old English: gerunds, participles, and infinitives. To place these forms within the framework of their history allows us to better perceive their roles in constructing meaning and facilitating communication in early English texts.

These nonfinite forms, marked off by the absence of tense and agreement markings, play a crucial role in the extension of expressive possibilities in a language. In Old English, such forms were similar to, yet different from, their Modern English counterparts, reflecting the character of the language at that time and the changes that had been underway (1).

This paper will consequently be concerned with the semantic properties of each non-finite form and their pragmatic functions as they contributed to richness and flexibility in Old English expression. Primary texts are analyzed with help from linguistic scholarship in uncovering exactly how this nuance functioned through these forms in the period of Old English, roughly from the mid-5th to the mid-11th century CE (2).

Nevertheless, it is necessary, before getting into specific forms, to determine the overall grasp of non-finite verbs in Old English. Non-finite forms are those that do not exhibit tense, person, and number agreement with a subject. In Old English, non-finite verb forms appear in the form of gerunds, participles, and infinitives, as they do in Modern English (3).

The Old English period is remarkable for the development of language use and functions of non-finite forms important for subordination, complementation, and expressiveness of complex temporal and aspectual relations. Understanding how this usage works gives valuable insight into the cognitive and communicative strategies employed by speakers and writers of Old English (4).

Non-finite verb forms—gerunds, participles, and infinitives—have evolved and functioned quite differently in the history of the English language, as it has developed from Old English up until today. Although all of these are forms that are essential for both syntactic construction and the conveyance of meaning, little has yet been done to examine their historical development or their utilization across different dialects and registers. One can gain a thorough understanding of English grammar and its everyday functions only through a study of how these forms have evolved and how they function synchronically.

Historical Evolution of Non-Finite Verb Forms

Old English Period (ca. 450-1150 CE)

During the Old English period, non-finite verb forms were relatively simple. The infinitive form was typically marked by the suffix "-an" (e.g., "to love" from "lufian"). Gerunds were less distinct from infinitives and were often represented in a similar manner. The past participle was marked by suffixes such as "-ed", "-en", or "-d", depending on the verb's conjugation class. For example, "loved" or "drunken".

Middle English Period (ca. 1150-1500 CE)

In the Middle English period, the language underwent significant changes due to the Norman Conquest. This period saw a simplification of verb forms and a shift from inflectional endings to a more analytical approach. The infinitive retained its basic form but began to be introduced with the particle "to", as in "to love". This change marked a significant shift in how non-finite forms were used and understood.

The gerund began to be more clearly distinguished from the infinitive, often marked by the suffix "-ing" (e.g., "loving"). The past participle continued to use various suffixes, but there was a trend towards standardization in forms, such as "-ed" for regular verbs.

Early Modern English Period (ca. 1500-1700 CE)

By the Early Modern English period, the use of "to" with the infinitive had become standardized. This period also saw the rise of a more consistent use of the "-ing" form for gerunds. The past participle continued to evolve, with increasing regularity in the "-ed" suffix for regular verbs, though irregular forms persisted.

Modern English Period (1700-Present)

In Modern English, the distinctions between the infinitive, gerund, and participle have become well-defined. The infinitive consistently uses "to" (e.g., "to run"). Gerunds have solidified their role as nouns with the "-ing" suffix (e.g., "running"). Participles, both present ("-ing") and past ("-ed" or irregular forms), are used to form various tenses and aspects of verbs (e.g., "running", "run", "eaten").

The evolution of non-finite verb forms in English from Old English to Modern English demonstrates significant changes in form and function. Historical shifts, such as the standardization of "to" with the infinitive and the development of the gerund, have led to the sophisticated system of non-finite verb forms seen in contemporary English. These forms are crucial in expressing a range of grammatical and semantic functions, including the creation of various verb tenses, aspects, and voice constructions. Understanding both the historical development and current usage of these non-finite forms provides valuable insight into the dynamic nature of the English language.

References:

1. Hogg RM, editor. The Cambridge History of the English Language, Volume 1: The Beginnings to 1066. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1992.
2. Mitchell B, Robinson F. A Guide to Old English. 8th ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell; 2011.
3. Fischer O, van der Wurff W. Syntax. In: Hogg RM, Denison D, editors. A History of the English Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2006. p. 109-198.
4. Traugott EC. Syntax. In: Hogg RM, editor. The Cambridge History of the English Language, Volume 1: The Beginnings to 1066. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1992. p. 168-289.