Non-finite clauses are clauses without a subject, where the main verb is in theto-infinitive form, the -ingform or the-edform. To make the negative of a non-finite clause, we can usenot.
affirmative non-finite clause | negative non-finite clause |
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In non-finite clauses with ato-infinitive verb, we can usenotafterto. However, many speakers consider such ‘split infinitives’ (where something comes betweentoand the verb) to be bad style:
To not realisewhat was happening was stupid. She should have noticed something was wrong.(orNot to realisewhat was happening …)
I was thinking it would be niceto not havetogo out and just stay in and watch TV.(or …it would be nicenot to havetogo out …)