That + [be] Deletion
Removing wordiness from descriptive clauses
Changing an Adjective Clause to a Phrase
| ADJECTIVE CLAUSE | PHRASE |
|---|---|
A modifying clause with – that, who, or which + [be] is, was, or were – can be shortened by removing the pronoun and the auxiliary verb. Clauses with a prepositional phrase, a passive verb or a progressive verb typically use be as the auxiliary. |
Delete the pronoun that, who, or which and the auxiliary verb is, was, or were. |
The seat [that was] next to me was empty. (a prepositional phrase) |
The seat next to me was empty. |
The woman [who is] seated behind me is eating popcorn. (a passive verb) |
The woman seated behind me is eating popcorn. (a past participial phrase) |
A talk show [which is] trying to improve its rating may plan a fight. (a progressive active verb) |
A talk show trying to improve its rating may plan a fight. (a present participial phrase) |
Related page: Prepositions for Place
Pages for That + (be) Deletion: Particpl Phrases1 -ING (present participle form) Particpl Phrases2 -ED (past participle form
Practice
Daytime Talk Shows
- Select the word from each menu that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.
