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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Reduced relative clauses

I've read several pages talking about the usage of reduced relative clauses. None explain why the two following sentences 'feel' wrong to me, and in fact I've been told they are right. But if a student said them to me I would mark them wrong, yet be unable to explain why since they seem to fit the rules of using reduced relative clauses.

A friend helping you in need is a friend indeed. (I prefer 'who helps you')

Animals eating plants are herbivores. (I prefer 'who eat')

Thanks for any help you can give!
  

Top answer

Anonymous A friend helping you in need is a friend indeed. It sounds wrong. Anonymous (I prefer 'who helps you') So do I—much.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous A friend helping you in need is a friend indeed.
  • It sounds wrong.
  • Anonymous (I prefer 'who helps you') So do I—much.
  • Anonymous Animals eating plants are herbivores.
  • (I prefer 'who eat') I prefer 'that eat'.
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4 Answers
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AnonymousA friend helping you in need is a friend indeed.
It sounds wrong.
Anonymous(I prefer 'who helps you')
So do I—much.
AnonymousAnimals eating plants are herbivores. (I prefer 'who eat')
I prefer 'that eat'.
Anonymous've read several pages talking about the us
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Many thanks for your response!

The rule I've read is: "We can't use this kind of participle clause if we're talking about one finished action which is not repeated".

And you said the key point is that these sentences don't refer to NOW.

But then what about these?
  • Lorries coming over the bridge have to be careful of the wind. (general, not now)
  • (= Lorr
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AnonymousBut then what about these?
"Now" is not an absolute time, eg. meaning 8:15 am, as my watch is reading now.
Rather, it is a time concurrent with the main verb, which can be past, or general time.

Lorries, coming over the bridge, have to be (at the same time as when they cross) careful of the wind.

Who was (4 pm yesterday
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Got it, much appreciated, thanks!
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