Reduced Relative Clause

Definition

A reduced relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that has been shortened from a full relative clause by omitting the relative pronoun and the auxiliary verb, streamlining the sentence while still providing essential information. This construction helps to create more concise sentences and can make writing sound more fluid and less repetitive. Reduced relative clauses often begin with a past participle or present participle form of the verb.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reduced relative clauses are often created by removing the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb from a full relative clause, making the sentence shorter.
2. For example, 'The book that was written by her' can be reduced to 'The book written by her.'
3. They can begin with a present participle, like in 'The students studying in the library,' or with a past participle, as in 'The cake baked yesterday.'
4. Using reduced relative clauses can improve sentence flow and readability, especially in complex sentences.
5. These clauses still retain their modifying function and provide necessary information about the noun they describe.

Review Questions

• How do reduced relative clauses enhance the clarity and conciseness of sentences?
  • Reduced relative clauses enhance clarity and conciseness by allowing writers to convey essential information without unnecessary words. By eliminating the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb, these clauses streamline sentences, making them easier to read and understand. For example, changing 'The car that is parked outside' to 'The car parked outside' removes extra words while keeping the core meaning intact.
• Compare and contrast reduced relative clauses with full relative clauses, providing examples for better understanding.
  • Reduced relative clauses differ from full relative clauses in their structure and length. A full relative clause includes a relative pronoun and an auxiliary verb, such as 'The man who is running.' In contrast, a reduced relative clause simplifies this to 'The man running,' omitting both the pronoun and the auxiliary. While both forms provide additional information about a noun, reduced clauses are more efficient and create smoother sentences.
• Evaluate the impact of using reduced relative clauses in academic writing versus conversational language.
  • In academic writing, reduced relative clauses can significantly enhance the clarity and flow of complex arguments, allowing for more succinct presentations of ideas. This concise style helps maintain reader engagement and comprehension. Conversely, in conversational language, while reduced relative clauses still contribute to fluidity, they may sometimes lead to ambiguity if overused or applied improperly. Therefore, finding the right balance between conciseness and clarity is crucial in both contexts.

Related terms

Relative Clause: A clause that modifies a noun or pronoun, typically introduced by a relative pronoun like 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.'

Participle: A form of a verb used in conjunction with auxiliary verbs to indicate tense or as an adjective, often ending in '-ing' (present participle) or '-ed' (past participle).

Non-finite Clause: A type of clause that does not contain a finite verb and can include infinitive forms, gerunds, or participles.