Reduced relative clauses with -ing
Definition
An -ing reduced relative clause shortens an active relative clause by omitting the relative pronoun and a form of be, or by replacing an active finite verb with an -ing participle phrase. It modifies a noun.
Examples
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The woman waiting outside is the new manager.
This reduces the woman who is waiting outside.
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People living on campus can use the library at night.
This reduces people who live on campus.
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The train arriving at platform four is delayed.
The participle phrase identifies which train is delayed.
Full vs. reduced active relative clause
The people who are waiting outside need tickets.
The clause contains a relative pronoun and finite auxiliary.
The people waiting outside need tickets.
The relative pronoun and are are omitted.
The reduced form is more concise and is common when the relative meaning is active and the modified noun is the understood subject.
Reduction is not available in every relative clause
The noun being modified must be the understood subject of the -ing phrase. A reduced form should not create ambiguity about who performs the action or confuse time relationships.
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Anyone wanting more information should email Maya.
The understood subject of wanting is anyone.
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The report containing the latest figures is online.
The report is understood as the thing that contains the figures.
Common mistakes
The woman waits outside is the manager.
The woman waiting outside is the manager.
Use an -ing participle, not a finite present-tense verb, in the reduced clause.
The woman who waiting outside is the manager.
The woman who is waiting outside is the manager.
Use either the full form who is waiting or the reduced form waiting, not a mixture.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains an -ing reduced relative clause?
Standing by the door directly modifies the man.Which reduction of the people who are waiting is correct?
Omit who are and retain the -ing form waiting.Which sentence correctly shows the modified noun as the performer?
The machine is understood as the subject of producing.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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