Negation in non-finite clauses

Non-finite clauses are clauses without a subject, where the main verb is in the to-infinitive form, the -ing form or the -ed form. To make the negative of a non-finite clause, we can use not.

Compare (non-finite clauses are underlined)

affirmative non-finite clause	negative non-finite clause
To have given up such a good job would have been foolish.	Not to have invited James to our little party would have been impolite.
Thinking of my own situation, I decided it was time to talk to Dennis.	She left the house very quietly, not wishing to alarm anyone.
Cooked in a slow oven, this dish is delicious with baked potatoes.	Not funded by any government grants, the research team have to raise money from companies and individuals.

In non-finite clauses with a to-infinitive verb, we can use not after to. However, many speakers consider such ‘split infinitives’ (where something comes between to and the verb) to be bad style:

To not realise what was happening was stupid. She should have noticed something was wrong. (or Not to realise what was happening …)

I was thinking it would be nice to not have to go out and just stay in and watch TV. (or … it would be nice not to have to go out …)

Site navigation