Reduced relative clauses
The man sitting next to me…, goods made in…, the first to…
The rules
- "sitting" is short for "who was sitting". Active meaning uses -ing.
- "made" is short for "which are made". Passive meaning uses the past participle.
- Drop "who are" and keep the -ing form: "the people waiting outside".
- After "the first", "the last" or "the only", use the to-infinitive.
- "Anyone wanting" = "anyone who wants". Active meaning, so -ing.
- "found yesterday" is short for "that were found yesterday" and follows the noun.
Examples
- The man sitting next to me on the train was reading my newspaper.
- Most of the goods made in this factory are exported.
- the people waiting outside
- She was the first woman to win the race.
- Anyone wanting tickets should call this number.
- The keys found yesterday are mine.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The man _____ next to me on the train was reading my newspaper.
2.Most of the goods _____ in this factory are exported.
3.Which is a correct short form of "the people who are waiting outside"?
4.She was the first woman _____ the race.
5.Which sentence is correct?