A reduced relative clause is a shorter construction that modifies a noun without using the full structure of a finite relative clause. It commonly contains an -ing form, a past participle, or a to-infinitive. Compare: The passengers who are waiting…
English uses make and do in many familiar word combinations called collocations. We say make a decision, make progress, and make a mistake, but do homework, do research, and do your best. A useful starting point is that do often…
A clause of result is a dependent clause that expresses a consequence. In English, result clauses often appear in constructions with so … that and such … that, which connect the degree of a quality, action, or quantity with its…
A noun + preposition collocation is a familiar combination in which a noun is followed by a particular preposition. Common examples include reason for, solution to, increase in, and effect on. The preposition connects the noun to another part of…
A clause of purpose is a dependent clause that explains what someone intends to achieve by doing something. Finite purpose clauses commonly begin with so that or in order that. The caretaker left the side gate unlocked so that the…
A clause of reason is a dependent clause that explains why something happens, why someone takes an action, or why a statement is considered true. It commonly begins with because, since, or as. Consider: The outdoor concert was postponed because…
A time clause is a dependent clause that tells us when something happens, how long it continues, or how one event relates in time to another. Time clauses commonly begin with when, while, before, after, until, and as soon as.…
A conditional clause is a dependent clause that states a condition under which something happens, becomes possible, or would happen in an imagined situation. It commonly begins with if. Consider: If the replacement parts arrive by Thursday, the workshop will…
Use fewer when comparing the number of individual things and less when comparing an amount or degree. Compare: The revised timetable includes fewer evening services. The revised timetable leaves passengers with less time to make their connections. Services are separate…