English Grammar: Reduced Adjective Clauses

1. Structure of Reduced Adjective Clauses

A reduced adjective clause is a shortened form of an adjective clause. It contains a subject and a verb but omits certain words. The structure of a reduced adjective clause typically follows these patterns:

1. Present Participle (V-ing)
   • Original Clause: The girl who is singing on stage is my sister.
   • Reduced Clause: The girl singing on stage is my sister.
2. Past Participle (V-ed)
   • Original Clause: The book that was written by Shakespeare is a classic.
   • Reduced Clause: The book written by Shakespeare is a classic.

2. Usage of Reduced Adjective Clauses

Reduced adjective clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a concise and efficient manner. They are commonly used in both written and spoken English. Here are some common scenarios where reduced adjective clauses are used:

1. Describing a Person
   • Original Clause: The man who is sitting next to me is a famous actor.
   • Reduced Clause: The man sitting next to me is a famous actor.
2. Describing a Thing
   • Original Clause: The car that was parked outside belongs to my neighbor.
   • Reduced Clause: The car parked outside belongs to my neighbor.
3. Describing a Place
   • Original Clause: The city where I grew up is known for its historical landmarks.
   • Reduced Clause: The city I grew up in is known for its historical landmarks.
4. Describing a Time
   • Original Clause: The day when we first met was unforgettable.
   • Reduced Clause: The day we first met was unforgettable.

3. Examples of Reduced Adjective Clauses

To help you better understand reduced adjective clauses, here are some examples showcasing their usage:

1. The boy playing basketball is my brother. (Describing a person)
2. The cake baked by my mom tastes delicious. (Describing a thing)
3. The beach visited by tourists is famous for its clear waters. (Describing a place)
4. The moment captured in the photograph is priceless. (Describing a time)

4. FAQs about Reduced Adjective Clauses

A reduced adjective clause is a shortened form that omits certain words, while a regular adjective clause includes all the necessary components.

Yes, reduced adjective clauses can be used in formal writing as long as they are grammatically correct and maintain clarity.

In some cases, yes. However, the choice between a reduced or regular adjective clause depends on the context and emphasis you want to convey.

No, reduced adjective clauses omit the relative pronoun and typically start with a present or past participle.

Certainly! Here are a few more examples:

• The girl wearing a red dress won the competition.
• The painting created by Picasso is displayed in the museum.
• The building seen from the hill is our school.

Reduced adjective clauses are used in both spoken and written English. However, they are more prevalent in spoken language for brevity and ease of communication.