CLAUSES
Reduced relative clauses
A relative clause can be shortened by dropping who or which and the verb be, or by changing the verb form. The man who is standing there becomes the man standing there. It is common in news, instructions and formal writing.
| -ing | Past participle | To + base verb | Phrase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| + | The man standing there is Tom. | The book written by Tom is new. | Tom is the first man to arrive. | The man in the hat is Tom. |
| − | Anyone not wearing a coat will be cold. | Food not eaten by noon is thrown away. | He was the first man not to arrive. | Anyone not on the list must wait. |
| ? | Who is the man standing there? | Is this the book written by Tom? | Who was the first man to arrive? | Who is the man in the hat? |
- who / which + be is dropped: the man (who is) standing
- -ing for an active meaning, past participle for a passive meaning
- the first / the last / the only + to + base verb
- A finished single action keeps the full clause: the man who phoned me, not the man phoning me
Colours in the rules
- subject Who or what does it: I, she, my brother.
- verb The action or state: walk, work, go.
- adjective Describes a noun: big, quiet, ready.
- other words Time words and the rest of the pattern.
B2 Noun + -ing
Use an -ing form after a noun instead of who or which + an active verb. The man standing there means the man who is standing there.
The girl waiting outside is my sister
Examples
- The girl waiting outside is my sister.Why: Waiting outside means who is waiting outside.
- I know the man living next door.Why: Living next door means who lives next door.
Common mistake
Wrong:The boy play the guitar is my brother.
Right:The boy playing the guitar is my brother.
B2 Noun + past participle
Use a past participle after a noun instead of who or which + a passive verb. The book written by Orwell means the book that was written by Orwell.
The book written by Orwell is famous
Examples
- The book written by Orwell is famous.Why: Written by Orwell means that was written by Orwell.
- We stayed in a hotel built in 1900.Why: Built in 1900 means that was built in 1900.
Common mistake
Wrong:The photos taking in Rome are beautiful.
Right:The photos taken in Rome are beautiful.
C1 The first, the last, the only + to
After the first, the last, the only, the next, a superlative or a number word, use to + base verb instead of who or that + a verb.
She was the first woman to win
Examples
- She was the first woman to win the prize.Why: The first woman to win means who won.
- The last student to leave must lock the door.Why: The last student to leave means who leaves last.
Common mistake
Wrong:The last student to leaving must lock the door.
Right:The last student to leave must lock the door.
C1 Adjective or preposition phrase after a noun
Drop who is or which is before a prepositional phrase or an adjective phrase. The girl in the red dress means the girl who is in the red dress.
The girl in the red dress is my sister
Examples
- The girl in the red dress is my sister.Why: In the red dress means who is in the red dress.
- We need someone able to drive.Why: Able to drive means who is able to drive.
Common mistake
Wrong:The girl who in the red dress is my sister.
Right:The girl in the red dress is my sister.
Practice all rules
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