Unit 4: Syntax
Lecture Note #14:Subordinate sentences with verb complements

Examine the following 'subordinate sentences' and make generalizations about the verb in each sentence.

a. John loves skiing.
b. John wants Mary to marry him.
c. John wants to marry Mary.
d. John made Mary cry.

1. 'Loves' in a. is an intransitive verb and it takes a non-finite verb with -ing bound form as its complement.
2. 'Wants' in b. is a transitive verb and it takes non-finite verb with to as its complement.
3. 'Wants' in c. is an intransitive verb and it also takes a non-finite verb with to as its complement.
4. 'Made' in d. is a transitive verb and it takes a non-finite verb which is a bare form.

In short, both intransitive verbs and transitive verbs may take non-finite verbs in different forms namely non-finite verb with -ing bound form, with to, and in bare form as their dependents. Consult pages 56-60 for the list of verbs and non-finite verb forms that the verbs take.

Subordinate sentence with an intransitive verb which has a noun complement.

e. John promised Mary to go.
f.* Mary was promised to go.
Q:Who is the actor of 'to go'?
A: ???

Compare e. and f. with the following:
g. John told Mary to go.
h. Mary was told to go.
Q: Who is the actor of 'to go'?
 A: Mary.

Therefore, 'promise' is analyzed in DG as an intransitive verb with a noun complement.