Reduced relative clauses

A reduced relative clause is a shortened form of a relative clause that omits the relative pronoun and the verb 'to be'. It typically uses a present participle (-ing form) or past participle to convey the same meaning.

To form a reduced relative clause using the present participle, remove the relative pronoun (who, which, that) and the verb 'to be'. For example, 'The man who is working' becomes 'The man working'.

To form a reduced relative clause using the past participle, remove the relative pronoun and the verb 'to be'. For example, 'The cake that was selected' becomes 'The cake selected'.

Reduced relative clauses provide additional information about a noun without using a full relative clause, making sentences more concise.

The reduced relative clause is 'arriving early'.

The girl studying overseas is my friend.

A full relative clause includes a relative pronoun and a verb, while a reduced relative clause omits the relative pronoun and often uses a participle.

The book written by the author won an award.

The present participle (-ing form) indicates an ongoing action related to the noun it modifies.

The past participle indicates a completed action related to the noun it modifies.