Cutting the Clutter
Advanced writers don't use more words; they use fewer words. We can shorten relative clauses to make sentences elegant and concise!
architecture The Formula
To reduce a relative clause, simply drop the relative pronoun (who/which/that) AND the "be" verb.
directions_run Active Voice (-ing)
If the noun is DOING the action, use the Present Participle (-ing).
history_edu Passive Voice (V3)
If the noun is RECEIVING the action, use the Past Participle (V3 / -ed).
Subject vs. Object
Cutting the Clutter 🎬
Watch Teacher Sopheak explain how to cross out unnecessary words to make your English sound highly academic. Pay attention to the "Object Trap" at the end!
Quick Check ⚡
"The food that she cooked is good."
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Ask a Question 🙋♂️
Recent Questions
Hi Serey! Great question! If there is no "be" verb, you just drop the relative pronoun ("who") and change the main verb to its -ing form. So, "The man who owns the car" becomes "The man OWNING the car." 💡
Can I write "The man seeing" instead of "The man who I saw"?
No, Vireak! That is the "Object Trap". If you say "The man seeing," it means the man is looking at something (active). If you mean "The man who I saw", 'who' is the object. You cannot use a participle. You just drop the 'who': "The man I saw." 🛑
Teacher, if the sentence is "The man who owns the car", there is no "be" verb (is/are). How do I reduce it?