Teacher Discussion Forums

Posted: **Mon Sep 26, 2005 1:24 pm**

Hi,
I need your opinion on reduced relative caluses.

----------------------------------
From Toefl -Test Assistant
- Heinle & Heinle

When there is no form of be in the adjective clase, you can omit the subject pronoun and change the verb to ~ing form.
Anyone who wants to get the news can listen to the message.
-> Anyone wanting to get the news can listen to the message.
[end quote]
-----------------------------------

Q] Can I reduce relative clause when it is past tense?

For example,

1. Sequoyah, who worked on the alphabet for twelve years, finally completed it in 1823.
--> Sequoyah, working on the alphabet for twelve years, finally completed it in 1823.

2. The potion which consisted of secret ingredients killed him.
--> The potion consisting of secret ingredients killed him.

3.When I visited New York, I was impressed by the officer who helped me.->When I visited New York, I was impressed by the officer helping me. +++ Sounds strages

Thanks

Posted: **Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:36 pm**

You need to go around analyzing the sentences here. In numbers two and three the present participle is fine as the action is contemporary with the main verb, but in one it precedes the main verb so you must say
Sequoyah, having worked on the alphabet for twelve years, finally completed it in 1828.

Posted: **Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:56 am**

Thanks!

If so, I wonder why the answer is (c) only.
In my opinion, it seems that both (c) and (d) are okay.
Is it because the verb is "have" which is not used in progressive form?
----------------------------
Toefl Test Assistant Grammar
Heinle & Heinle P75

6.
George Pullman introduced a dining car ________ its own kitchen in 1868.
(a) it had
(b) that it had
(c) that had
(e) having
---------------------------

Teacher Discussion Forums

Reduced Relative Clauses

Reduced Relative Clauses