Noun phrase modifier
noun + to relative clause
- Descriptions
- Noun + to relative clauses modify the noun phrase and provide infomation as to the direction, destination, intention, or subsequent action.
- They are introduced by to, followed by a verb in infinitive form.
- Tag
tocls+rel is tagged on the main verb of the to relative clause.
- Examples
- She brought a book to read on the train.
- He has a lot of work to do before the deadline.
- We found a nice place to stay for the weekend.
- This is a great opportunity to learn new skills.
noun + ing relative clause
- Descriptions
- Noun + ing relative clauses modify the noun phrase and typically describe an ongoing action or activity related to the modified noun.
- Introduced by verbs in present participle form (e.g lying, watching, waiting)
- Most frequent in academic prose but moderately common across registers.
- Tag
ingcls+rel is tagged on the main verb of the ing relative clause.
- Examples
- Elevated levels are treated with a diet consisting of low cholesterol foods.
- The woman standing in the corner is my sister.
- After the outer walls fell the soldiers found the nobles seeking shelter in the castle.
noun + ed relative clause
- Descriptions
- Noun + ed passive relative clauses exist to modify the noun phrase to provide additional information about the noun.
- Introduced by a verb in past participle form (e.g donated, created, espoused).
- Some verbs are irregular, such as see (seen), write (written), or sing (sung).
- Most frequent in academic prose compared to other registers.
- Tag
edcls+rel is tagged on the main verb of the ed relative clause.
- Examples
- This is a phrase used in the recruitment industry.
- Abundant food and available healthcare are among the products required to support a huge and growing population. (p. 604)
- The castle meeting between the three men produced the Three Musketeers.
- The final thing the townspeople heard was the battalion’s anthem sung as they marched over the hill.