Ellipsis and substitution

Ellipsis: leaving out subjects and auxiliariesAfter and, but, and or we often leave out a repeated subject or a repeated subject and auxiliary verb, especially when the clauses are short.

He got up and (he) had a bath.She came to class but (she) didn’t say anything.We should phone her or (we should) send her an email.We usually have dinner at 7.00, and then (we) watch TV.

After then we can also leave out a repeated subject pronoun.

You cannot leave out the subject pronoun after before, after, because, when, and while.

They locked the door before they left.We’ll have a look at the photos after we finish lunch.She’s stressed because she has too much work.He was horrified when he saw the mess they had left.I met Pete while I was working in France.

Ellipsis: leaving out verb phrases or adjectives

Ellipsis and substitution

We often leave out a repeated verb phrase or adjective, and just repeat the auxiliary or modal verb, or the verb be, e.g.Susan has never been to Ireland but her sister has been there.Bob thinks he’s right, but he isn’t right.

Susan has never been to Ireland, but her sister has.Bob thinks he’s right, but he isn’t.I didn’t like the film, but Charles did.They said I would love the play, but I don’t think I would.

If the verb we don’t want to repeat is the present or past simple, we substitute do/does/did.

Ellipsis and substitution

Ellipsis: leaving out verb phrases or adjectivesWe can use a different auxiliary or modal verb from that used in the first part of the sentence.

I thought I would be able to come tomorrow, but in fact I can’t.I know you’ve never learned to swim, but I really think you should have.A You must read his latest book!B I already have.

We can also leave out a repeated verb phrase after the infinitive with to.This is called a reduced infinitive, e.g. I haven’t been to Paris, but I’d love to (go).I haven’t been to Paris, but I’d love to.The students cheated in the exam, even though the teacher told them not to.

Ellipsis and substitution

Substitution: so and notWe often use so instead of repeating a whole positive clause after verbs of thinking (assume, believe, expect, guess, hope, imagine, presume, suppose, think) and also after be afraid, appear/seem, and say.

I’ll have finished the project by Friday, or at least I hope so.A Will you be working on Sunday?B I suppose so, unless we get everything done today.Gerard loves animals, and his sister even more so.

Ellipsis and substitution

Substitution: so and notWith negative clauses we use positive verb + not (e.g. I hope not) with be afraid, assume, guess, hope, presume, and suspect.

A Do you think it’ll snow tonight?B I hope not.A He’s not very likely to pass, is he?B No, I’m afraid not.The kids may be back, but I don’t think so.I know she liked the gift, even though she didn’t say so.

We normally use negative verb + so (e.g. I don’t think so) with believe, expect, imagine, and think.