Reduced Clauses in English

Dialogue

Lily: Hey Mia! Did you see the dog sleeping under the tree?

Mia: Yes, it’s so cute! I also noticed the birds chirping on the branches.

Lily: I saw a woman walking her dog earlier. She looked really happy.

Mia: Oh, I love seeing people enjoying their day. It makes me happy too!

Lily: Me too. I even watched a squirrel climbing the tree this morning.

Mia: This park is so peaceful. It’s perfect for people wanting to relax.

I saw a woman walking her dog earlier.

What Are Reduced Clauses?

A reduced clause is a shorter version of a longer clause. It removes unnecessary words but keeps the meaning clear. These are often used in everyday English to make sentences shorter and smoother.

Reduced clauses are often made by:

  • Removing the subject and auxiliary verb (like "is," "are," "was," etc.).

  • Using an -ing verb (present participle) or past participle.

Types of Reduced Clauses

1. Adjective Clauses Reduced to Participial Phrases

  • These describe a noun by reducing a longer relative clause.

  • Full Clause: The dog that is sleeping under the tree looks calm.

  • Reduced Clause: The dog sleeping under the tree looks calm.

2. Adverbial Clauses Reduced to Phrases

  • These show time, reason, condition, or result by reducing adverbial clauses.

  • Full Clause: While she was walking her dog, she saw a bird.

  • Reduced Clause: While walking her dog, she saw a bird.

3. Noun Clauses Reduced to Phrases (less common)

  • Sometimes, noun clauses can also be shortened.

  • Full Clause: I love to see people who are enjoying their day.

  • Reduced Clause: I love to see people enjoying their day.

How to Form Reduced Clauses

  1. Find the clause you want to reduce. Example: The man who is standing by the door is my uncle.

  2. Remove the subject and auxiliary verb. Example: The man standing by the door is my uncle.

  3. Keep the meaning clear and natural. Example: The students who were invited to the party had a great time. → The students invited to the party had a great time.

Practice

Rewrite the following sentences by reducing the clauses:

  1. The cat that is lying on the couch is very sleepy.

  2. While she was preparing dinner, her phone rang.

  3. People who want to learn grammar should practice daily.

  4. The books that were placed on the table belong to Sarah.

Answers

  1. The cat lying on the couch is very sleepy.

  2. While preparing dinner, her phone rang.

  3. People wanting to learn grammar should practice daily.

  4. The books placed on the table belong to Sarah.

Quick Tips

  • Reduced clauses make your English more natural and concise.

  • Watch out for the verb tense to ensure the reduced clause fits the context.

  • Use them in your writing and speaking to improve fluency!

Now you try! Write 3 sentences using reduced clauses to describe what you see around you.

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