Grammar Topic
Ellipsis and Substitution
📖
Explanation
Ellipsis is the omission of words that are understood from context. Substitution replaces words with shorter forms.
Ellipsis in answers: 'Would you like tea?' 'Yes, (I would like tea).' 'Who broke the glass?' 'Tom (broke it).'
Ellipsis with too/also: 'I like coffee.' 'Me too.' (I also like coffee)
Substitution with do/does/did: 'She works harder than I do.' 'He ate more than she did.'
Substitution with one/ones: 'I need a pen.' 'Here is one.' 'Which books do you want?' 'The red ones.'
Substitution with so: 'I am happy.' 'So am I.' 'She can swim.' 'So can he.'
Substitution with not: 'Will it rain?' 'I hope not.' 'She will come.' 'I think not.'
Ellipsis in clauses: '(The fact) that he lied is shocking. I know (that) you are busy.
💡
Examples
Answers: 'Would you like tea?' 'Yes, please.' 'Who called?' 'John (called).'
Too/Also: 'I like coffee.' 'Me too.' 'She is smart.' 'Her brother is too.'
Do substitution: 'She works harder than I do.' 'He ate more than she did.'
One/ones: 'I need a pen.' 'Here is one.' 'Which books?' 'The red ones.'
So: 'I am happy.' 'So am I.' 'She can swim.' 'So can he.'
Not: 'Will it rain?' 'I hope not.' 'She will come.' 'I doubt it.'
✅
Test Your Knowledge
Mini Quiz
1/ 2
Which sentence correctly illustrates 'Ellipsis and Substitution'?
Finished reading? Claim your XP!