Reduced Relative Clauses - Defining and Non- Defining Relative Clauses - Advanced Grammar Lesson

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on reduced relative clauses in English grammar, specifically how to form and use them effectively. Understanding reduced relative clauses can enhance your writing and speaking skills by making your sentences more concise and fluid. This guide will provide practical examples and tips to help you master this advanced grammar concept.

Chapter 1: Example of a reduced relative clause with a past participle

• Original Clause: "The bananas which had been dipped in chocolate were really yummy."
• Reduced Clause: "The bananas dipped in chocolate were really yummy."
• Explanation: The relative clause "which had been dipped in chocolate" is reduced to "dipped in chocolate," demonstrating how a past participle can simplify sentences.

Chapter 2: Present participle in place of an active verb

• Original Clause: "There were teachers who were shouting."
• Reduced Clause: "There were teachers shouting."
• Explanation: The active verb "who were shouting" is reduced to "shouting," utilizing a present participle for brevity.

Chapter 3: Example of a passive verb in a reduced relative clause

• Original Clause: "Ron only drinks coffee that is made from fresh coffee beans."
• Reduced Clause: "Ron only drinks coffee made from fresh coffee beans."
• Explanation: The passive relative clause "that is made" is condensed to "made," showcasing the use of past participles in reduced clauses.

Chapter 4: Examples of present participle referring to past, present, and future

• Original Clause: "The winner is the person who scored the most goals."
• Reduced Clause: "The winner is the person scoring the most goals."
• Explanation: This form works for all tenses and can refer to past, present, or future actions using a present participle.

Chapter 5: Examples of past participle referring to past, present, and future

• Original Clause: "The Champions Cup is for the most goals which were scored."
• Reduced Clause: "The Champions Cup is for the most goals scored."
• Explanation: The phrase is simplified by removing the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb.

Chapter 6: Using participles from a simple passive to describe a general situation

• Example: "I am worried about the man held in prison without a trial."
• Explanation: Here, "who is held" is reduced to "held," maintaining the meaning while simplifying the structure.

Chapter 7: Negative reduced relative clauses

• Original Clause: "My friends who didn't have much money never went out."
• Reduced Clause: "My friends not having much money never went out."
• Explanation: The negative relative clause is simplified by using "not having" to express the same idea more succinctly.

Chapter 8: Adjectives and adjective phrases after nouns

• Example: "There was one table which was available in the restaurant."
• Reduced Clause: "There was one table available in the restaurant."
• Explanation: The relative clause is removed for a more direct statement.

Chapter 9: Adjectives that can be used like reduced relative clauses

• Examples include: necessary, possible, present, ready, responsible, and suitable.
• Application: These adjectives can follow nouns, functioning similarly to reduced relative clauses.

Chapter 10: When not to use a participle

• Example: "There was a sudden noise that woke me up."
• Incorrect: "There was a sudden noise waking me up."
• Explanation: Avoid using a participle for single actions or when subjects differ from the relative pronoun.

Chapter 11: Using an infinitive instead of a participle

• Example: "Diana NAD was the first person to swim from Florida to Cuba."
• Explanation: Use the infinitive form after first, second, and third adjectives.

Chapter 12: Test yourself with a text

• Activity: Try reducing the following clauses:
  • Original: "For all you food lovers who will be sitting at home..."
  • Reduced: "For all you food lovers sitting at home..."
• Tip: Write down your reduced sentences and check your understanding.

Conclusion

Reduced relative clauses can significantly enhance your writing by making it more concise and clear. Remember to practice by transforming complex sentences into simpler ones using past and present participles. As you become comfortable with this grammar structure, your overall fluency and clarity in English will improve. Continue exploring different examples and practice regularly to master this skill!