In
linguistics, a
non-finite clause is a
subordinate clause whose verb is
non-finite; for example, many languages can form non-finite clauses from
infinitives. Like any subordinate clause, a non-finite clause serves a grammatical role — commonly that of a
noun,
adjective, or
adverb — in a greater clause that contains it.
''Finite clause:'' The fact that they are with us in this time of crisis is evidence of their friendship.
''Non-finite clause:'' Their being with us in this time of crisis is evidence of their friendship.