Reduced Relative Clauses

Definition

Relative clauses can sometimes be reduced by removing the relative pronoun and changing the form of the verb. This results in a sentence with fewer function words that is more concise but may also be harder for learners to read. Note that only subject relative clauses can be reduced, that is, clauses where the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb.

Form

There are two ways to reduce a relative clause:

1. Omit the auxiliary verb be: the person [who is] playing the guitar is very good; the onions [that are] burnt on the bottom of the pan are stuck; the principal, who is Dr. Black, is new this year.
2. Change the verb to the present participle (-ing) form: a question that needs to be answered > a question needing to be answered; the score is 40-0, which means you need one point to win > the score is 40-0, meaning you need one point to win.

Note that sometimes it is not possible to reduce a relative clause when:

1. it contains a modal verb (a problem which can be solved)
2. the meaning would be changed by losing the verb tense (the train which just arrived is the 6:04 to Philadelphia).

Function

There is no special difference in meaning between a full and a reduced relative clause. However, when restrictive (embedded) relative clauses are reduced, the effect is to “pack” the noun group by filling it with more content words. This can make texts more dense (they have a lot of content words and fewer function words) and harder to read but more elegant.

Reduced nonrestrictive clauses often have one of two functions:

• cause/effect (leading to, resulting in, causing …)
• explanation (meaning …, suggesting …, implying …)