The Core Idea
Reduced clauses express time, cause, condition, concession, purpose, or result without a fully finite subordinate clause.
Reduced clauses make reading denser texts much easier and give you a compact way to write with more rhythm and control.
Structure Snapshot
- preposition + infinitive / gerund clause / participle clause
Main Rules at a Glance
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | An infinitive clause can replace a full subordinate clause, especially after prepositions: "ao chegar", "para resolver". |
| Rule 2 | Gerund clauses often express manner, time, cause, or background activity: "estudando assim, você melhora". |
| Rule 3 | Participle clauses often present prior result or state: "terminada a reunião, fomos embora". |
| Rule 4 | Reduced clauses compress information and are common in formal writing as well as some spoken styles. |
How It Works
- An infinitive clause can replace a full subordinate clause, especially after prepositions: "ao chegar", "para resolver".
- Gerund clauses often express manner, time, cause, or background activity: "estudando assim, você melhora".
- Participle clauses often present prior result or state: "terminada a reunião, fomos embora".
- Reduced clauses compress information and are common in formal writing as well as some spoken styles.
Usage and Register
- A reduced clause still has a semantic relation to the main clause even when the connector is lighter.
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