Relative clauses are a common grammar point in both spoken and written English, helping sentences become more clear and meaningful. In some cases, writers can flexibly shorten certain components of the subordinate clause to make the sentence more concise.
So when can relative clauses be reduced? And how many methods can be used to reduce them? Let’s explore all the answers with IDP.
1. What Is a Reduced Relative Clause?
A reduced relative clause is a shortened form of a relative clause that eliminates unnecessary words while keeping the sentence clear and meaningful. You can reduce a relative clause by removing the relative pronoun, auxiliary verbs, or the verb "to be" when possible.
Examples:
The girl who sits over there is my girlfriend. → The girl sitting over there is my girlfriend.
The boy who is calling her is her boyfriend, right? → The boy calling her is her boyfriend, right?
2. Common Ways to Reduce Relative Clauses
Besides mastering basic relative clause structures, you can apply simplified forms to avoid redundancy and improve clarity. Here are 6 common ways to reduce relative clauses:
1. Omit the Relative Pronoun
When the relative pronoun functions as the object, you can omit it. If there is a preposition before the relative pronoun, move the preposition to the end of the clause.
Examples:
This is the most dramatic movie that I have ever seen. → This is the most dramatic movie I have ever seen.
It is the best play that I have ever seen. → It is the best play I have ever seen.
2. Use V-ing for Active Meaning
If the verb in the relative clause has an active meaning, you can remove the relative pronoun and convert the verb into its -ing form. Remove "to be" if present.
Example:
The dog which is barking is mine. → The dog barking is mine.
3. Use V-ed / V3 for Passive Meaning
When the verb in the relative clause has a passive meaning, remove the relative pronoun and change the verb into the past participle (V-ed/V3) form.
Example:
The skirt that was ordered last weekend has been delivered to our address. → The skirt ordered last weekend has been delivered to our address.
4. Use To + Verb
When the relative clause follows expressions like the first, the second, the last, the only, or superlatives, you can reduce the clause by removing the pronoun and changing the verb into to + verb form.
Example:
She was the first person who had finished the test. → She was the first person to have finished the test.
Note:
If the clauses have different subjects, add for somebody before to V. Do you have some books that children can read? → Do you have some books for children to read?
If the subject is a general pronoun like we, you, everyone, you may omit it. Working in an international company is a great thing that we should think about. → Working in an international company is a great thing to think about.
5. Use a Noun Phrase
If the relative clause is in the format: S + be + noun/noun phrase/prepositional phrase, simply eliminate the relative pronoun and the verb "to be," keeping only the noun phrase.
Example:
We visited Finger Island, which is the most-visited place in Phu Quoc. → We visited Finger Island, the most-visited place in Phu Quoc.
3. Notes When Reducing Relative Clauses
When using reduced relative clauses, keep in mind:
Identify whether the verb in the clause is active or passive to choose the correct form (V-ing or V-ed).
If the verb is have or not having, replace it with with or without.
In some cases, you can omit the -ing form after reduction without changing the meaning.
4. Practice Exercises on Reduced Relative Clauses
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences using reduced relative clauses
I have eaten some apples which my mother bought. → I have eaten some apples my mother bought.
We have an available room where you can stay one night. → We have an available room for you to stay one night.
She is the only child of Mr Nam who is the principal of this school. → She is the only child of Mr Nam, the principal of this school.
The girl who is in white is my best friend. → The girl in white is my best friend.
Last week, I bought a vacuum cleaner which doesn’t work now. → Last week, I bought a vacuum cleaner without working now.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using reduced relative clauses
Do you want that shirt? It is next to you. → Do you want the shirt next to you?
The hair dryer stopped working. I’ve just bought it yesterday. → The hair dryer bought yesterday stopped working.
My cats will get fat. They eat a lot. → My cat, who eats a lot, will get fat.
Many students get high marks. They are taught by Mr Hiep. → Many students taught by Mr Hiep get high marks.
The man lifts up the heavy box. He is strong and muscular. → The man, strong and muscular, lifts up the heavy box.
Exercise 3: Reduce the relative clause using appropriate structure
The man who is performing on stage is a clown. → The man performing on stage is a clown.
The book which is on the table has no stamp. → The book on the table has no stamp.
Benzene, which was discovered by Faraday, became the starting point in the production of many dyes, perfumes, and explosives. → Benzene discovered by Faraday became the starting point in the production of many dyes, perfumes, and explosives.
My grandfather, who was old and sick, never left the house. → My grandfather, being old and sick, never left the house.
The student did not know how to do the homework which was assigned by the teacher yesterday. → The student did not know how to do the homework assigned by the teacher yesterday.
The man who lives next door to my grandmother is a famous singer. → The man living next door to my grandmother is a famous singer.
All students who do not submit the test will fail the upcoming exam. → All students not submit the test will fail the upcoming exam.
Master Reduced Relative Clauses with IDP
The grammar point of reducing relative clauses may seem complex at first, but it becomes manageable once you understand the theory and practice sentence construction. You can improve your English proficiency by practicing regularly with IDP’s free resources.
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