Short Relative Clauses enable you to incorporate essential details about a noun within the same sentence, streamlining your writing and speech. This lesson will guide you in using them effectively to enhance clarity and detail in your communication.
Examples
Example 1
IncorrectThe book she wrote became a bestseller.
BetterThe book she wrote became a bestseller.
The relative pronoun 'that' is omitted because it is not the subject of the clause.
Example 2
IncorrectThe project we completed was successful.
BetterThe project we completed was successful.
The sentence is more concise without the relative pronoun 'that'.
How It Works
Meaning
Short relative clauses are a type of relative clause that omits the relative pronoun when it is not the subject of the clause. They provide essential or additional information about a noun without forming a separate sentence.
They allow for more concise and fluid sentences by integrating additional details directly into the main clause.
This skill is important at the B2 level as it enhances sentence variety and complexity, which are evaluated in writing and speaking tasks.
Use it when
- You want to add essential information about a noun without a separate sentence.
- The relative pronoun is not the subject of the clause.
- In writing tasks where sentence variety and conciseness are valued.
- In spoken responses to quickly provide additional details.
See it
Quick rules
- Omit the relative pronoun if it is not the subject of the clause.
- Ensure the clause directly follows the noun it describes.
- Use short relative clauses to make sentences more concise.
- Avoid using short relative clauses if clarity is compromised.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Including unnecessary relative pronouns
WeakThe book that she wrote became a bestseller.
StrongThe book she wrote became a bestseller.
Fix: Omit 'that' when it is not the subject of the clause.
Common problem 2
Using short clauses incorrectly
WeakThe report which we submitted was approved.
StrongThe report we submitted was approved.
Fix: Remove 'which' to make the sentence more concise.
Practice Lab
Practice
Identify the correct use of short relative clauses, then apply them yourself.
Score: 0/3
Focus on integrating additional information without unnecessary words.
1. Quick pick
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a short relative clause.
2. Build it
Put this short relative clause sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
The book she wrote became a bestseller.
The book that she wrote became a bestseller.
The project we completed was successful.
The project that we completed was successful.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Mastering short relative clauses allows you to add detail concisely and maintain clarity, which is crucial for achieving higher scores in writing and speaking tasks where precision and cohesion are evaluated.
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