Nefinitnye formy soslagatelnogo naklonenija v russkom jazyke

Abstract

This paper seeks to determine whether and to what extent combinations of the subjunctive particle by and non-finite forms (infinitives, participles and converbs) are part of the paradigm of the Russian verb. This problem is explored based on 1) the degree of regularity of the semantic oppositions that are created by these combinations and 2) the degree of obligatoriness of these putative analytic forms for various types of contexts. Infinitive + by combinations often behave as full-fledged non-finite subjunctive forms; especially when they are found in dependent clauses where their use is parallel to the use of finite subjunctive forms and by is often obligatory. Participle + by combinations are more marginal; however, there is a type of context where the presence / absence of by marks a regular and obligatory mood distinction. Russian converbs do not participate in mood opposition (by is used with converbs very infrequently and it is always optional). The relevance of mood yields a hierarchy of Russian non-finite forms: infinitive ≻ participles ≻ converbs. This hierarchy correlates with the ability of the forms in question to function as independent clauses’ heads.