Ellipsis

Ellipsis in English grammar occurs when we omit certain elements that are expected based on grammatical rules. It is a common phenomenon in spoken and informal English. Let's explore different aspects of ellipsis with new examples:

General Ellipsis Examples:

1. Absolutely sure [that] she's coming to the party.

• I'm absolutely sure she's coming to the party.

1. A: [Have you] Checked the weather forecast? B: Yes, [I’ve] Checked it. Looks like rain.

2. She sang and [she] played the guitar simultaneously.

• She sang and played the guitar at the same time.

1. A: [Are] You coming to the meeting? B: Yes. [I’m] Definitely attending. [I’m] Just running a bit late.

Textual Ellipsis Examples: 5. I knew [that] something wonderful would happen.

• I knew something wonderful would happen.

1. We went for a walk and [we] took some amazing photos.

• We went for a walk and took some amazing photos.

Situational Ellipsis Examples: 7. [I] Wonder where Steve is.

• Wonder where Steve is?

1. A: I saw Janice in town. [She] Said she’s getting married next year. B: Really? A: Yeah. [She] Met some guy and got engaged after only a couple of weeks, apparently.

2. [Is] Richard coming tonight?

• Is Richard coming tonight?

Subject Pronouns & Auxiliary Verbs Examples: 10. [Have you] Finished your homework? - Finished your homework?

1. A: [Do you] Want some tea? B: Is there any? A: Yeah. [I’ve] Just made some.

2. [Is] Richard coming tonight?

• Is Richard coming tonight?

Questions with Question Tags Examples: 13. [He] Gave up his job, did he? I thought he would. - Gave up his job, did he? I thought he would.

1. [You] Wrote to the local newspaper, did you? Good idea.

• Wrote to the local newspaper, did you? Good idea.

Articles Omission Examples: 15. [The] Dog wants to go out. Can you open the door for him? - Dog wants to go out. Can you open the door for him?

1. A: What are you looking for? B: [A] Pen. Can you see one anywhere?

• What are you looking for? Pen. Can you see one anywhere?

Fixed Expressions Examples: 17. I’d love to go with you. [The] Trouble is, I’ve got to work this Saturday. - I’d love to go with you. Trouble is, I’ve got to work on Saturday this week.

1. I can’t read that. I’m [as] Blind as a bat without my glasses.

• I can’t read that. I’m blind as a bat without my glasses.

30 advanced examples of ellipsis, each based on separate rules:

1. After the intense workout, the athlete felt invigorated; the coach, accomplished. (Coordination ellipsis)

2. She tackled the difficult negotiations; he, the diplomatic relations. (Coordination ellipsis)

3. The singer delivered a powerful performance; the guitarist, a mesmerizing solo. (Coordination ellipsis)

4. The CEO outlined the strategic plan; the CFO, the financial projections. (Coordination ellipsis)

5. The scientist conducted groundbreaking research; the collaborator, complementary studies. (Coordination ellipsis)

6. The movie director focused on cinematography; the screenwriter, engaging dialogue. (Coordination ellipsis)

7. The software engineer debugged the code; the tester, various scenarios. (Coordination ellipsis)

8. The chef perfected the dessert; the pastry chef, the intricate decorations. (Coordination ellipsis)

9. The architect designed the exterior; the interior designer, the aesthetic interiors. (Coordination ellipsis)

10. The professor discussed the historical context; the guest lecturer, the contemporary implications. (Coordination ellipsis)

11. She could sleep in the study on the sofa. (Substitution)

12. The Chairman threatened to resign, and he finally did so in 2008. (Substitution)

13. I’d better not [have another cake]. I’m supposed to be on a diet. (Subject Pronoun Ellipsis)

14. [Is] Richard coming tonight? (Auxiliary Verb Ellipsis)

15. I can’t read that. I’m [as] blind as a bat without my glasses. (Fixed Expression Ellipsis)

16. [The] Dog wants to go out. Can you open the door for him? (Article Ellipsis)

17. We went for a walk and [we] took some lovely photographs. (Coordination ellipsis)

18. He wrote to [everyone he could think of who might help] and [he] phoned everyone he could think of who might help. (Coordination ellipsis)

19. The scientist conducted groundbreaking research; the collaborator, complementary studies. (Coordination ellipsis)

20. I knew [that] something terrible had happened. (Textual ellipsis)

21. Maureen was glad [that] we had called in to see her. (Textual ellipsis)

22. Are you afraid [that] you won’t get a job when you leave college? (Textual ellipsis)

23. We went for a walk and [we] took some lovely photographs. (Textual ellipsis)

24. He wrote to [everyone he could think of who might help] and [he] phoned everyone he could think of who might help. (Textual ellipsis)

25. I can remember his face but [I] can’t remember his name. (Textual ellipsis)

26. Do you want to stay in or [do you want to] go out tonight? (Textual ellipsis)

27. The pilot navigated the flight path; the co-pilot, the communication with air traffic control. (Coordination ellipsis)

28. The teacher explained complex concepts; the tutor, individualized learning strategies. (Coordination ellipsis)

29. The event planner coordinated logistics; the decorator, the aesthetic arrangements. (Coordination ellipsis)

30. The conductor led the orchestra; the concertmaster, the synchronization of instruments. (Coordination ellipsis)

30 advanced examples showcasing different types of ellipsis:

1. He prefers fiction; she, non-fiction.

2. You can either join us for coffee or watch a movie; the choice is yours.

3. Some liked the new policy, while others vehemently opposed it.

4. The concert was unforgettable; the play, not so much.

5. In summer, she enjoys swimming; in winter, skiing.

6. They invested in stocks; we, in real estate.

7. The politician promised reforms; his opponent, stability.

8. The chef recommends the pasta; the waiter, the seafood.

9. After the meeting, John headed to the gym; Jane, to the library.

10. Our team won the championship; theirs, the hearts of the fans.

11. The project requires dedication; the timeline, precision.

12. His strengths lie in strategy; hers, in execution.

13. The detective found the clue; the journalist, the hidden truth.

14. During the discussion, he emphasized facts; she, the emotional impact.

15. You can choose the red dress; I, the blue one.

16. He adores classical music; she, the energy of rock.

17. The explorer conquered mountains; the scientist, uncharted territories.

18. His art is abstract; hers, realism.

19. The professor emphasizes theory; the practitioner, practicality.

20. The company values innovation; the competitor, tradition.

21. The architect designed the exterior; the interior, by a different artist.

22. He finished the main course; she, the delectable dessert.

23. The car is fuel-efficient; the bike, environmentally friendly.

24. In negotiations, he prioritizes compromise; she, assertiveness.

25. They discuss politics at the dinner table; we, avoid controversial topics.

26. He focuses on efficiency; she, on creating a positive work culture.

27. The director handles production; the producer, securing funding.

28. The author wrote the introduction; the editor, the final chapter.

29. He enjoys morning runs; she, evening strolls.

30. They appreciate modern art; we, classical masterpieces.

Showing the ellipsis in brackets

1. He prefers fiction; [she prefers] non-fiction.

2. You can either join us for coffee or [you can] watch a movie; the choice is yours.

3. Some liked the new policy, while [some] others vehemently opposed it.

4. The concert was unforgettable; [however,] the play, not so much.

5. In summer, [she enjoys] swimming; in winter, [she enjoys] skiing.

6. They invested in stocks; [on the other hand,] we [invested] in real estate.

7. The politician promised reforms; [in contrast,] his opponent [promised] stability.

8. The chef recommends the pasta; [meanwhile,] the waiter [recommends] the seafood.

9. After the meeting, John [headed] to the gym; Jane, [on the other hand, headed] to the library.

10. Our team [won] the championship; theirs, [on the other hand, won] the hearts of the fans.

11. The project requires dedication; [on the other hand,] the timeline [requires] precision.

12. His strengths [lie] in strategy; hers, [on the other hand, lie] in execution.

13. The detective [found] the clue; the journalist, [on the other hand, found] the hidden truth.

14. During the discussion, he [emphasized] facts; she, [on the other hand, emphasized] the emotional impact.

15. You can choose the red dress; I, [on the other hand, will choose] the blue one.

16. He adores classical music; she, [on the other hand, adores] the energy of rock.

17. The explorer [conquered] mountains; the scientist, [on the other hand, conquered] uncharted territories.

18. His art [is] abstract; hers, [on the other hand, is] realism.

19. The professor [emphasizes] theory; the practitioner, [on the other hand, emphasizes] practicality.

20. The company [values] innovation; the competitor, [on the other hand, values] tradition.

21. The architect [designed] the exterior; the interior, [on the other hand, was designed by] a different artist.

22. He [finished] the main course; she, [on the other hand, finished] the delectable dessert.

23. The car [is] fuel-efficient; the bike, [on the other hand, is] environmentally friendly.

24. In negotiations, he [prioritizes] compromise; she, [on the other hand, prioritizes] assertiveness.

25. They [discuss] politics at the dinner table; we, [on the other hand,] avoid controversial topics.

26. He [focuses] on efficiency; she, [on the other hand, focuses] on creating a positive work culture.

27. The director [handles] production; the producer, [on the other hand, handles] securing funding.

28. The author [wrote] the introduction; the editor, [on the other hand, wrote] the final chapter.

29. He [enjoys] morning runs; she, [on the other hand, enjoys] evening strolls.

30. They [appreciate] modern art; we, [on the other hand, appreciate] classical masterpieces.

Complete the sentences using ellipsis.

1. A: [Do you] Know where my keys are? B: Yes, [they're] on the kitchen table.

2. [She] Promised to call, but [she] hasn’t yet.

3. A: [Will you] Join us for dinner? B: No, [I won't]. [I've] Already eaten.

4. [Have] You read the book? No, [I haven’t].

5. A: [Can you] Pass me the salt? B: Sure, here [it] is.

6. [He] Said he’d be here by 3, but [he's] running late.

7. [Do] You play the guitar? No, [I] play the piano.

8. A: [Is] Susan coming to the party? B: I don’t think [she] is.

9. [Is] This your jacket? No, [it's] my brother's.

10. A: [Did you] Enjoy the movie? B: No, [I] found it boring.

11. [Did] You bake these cookies? No, [I] bought them.

12. [Was] It raining when you left? No, [it] was clear.

13. A: [Will you] Call me later? B: Yes, [I'll] call after work.

14. [He] Invited everyone to the meeting, but [he] forgot to send the agenda.

15. A: [Can you] Hand me the remote? B: Sorry, [I] can't reach it.

16. [Do] You know where Tom is? Yes, [he] went to the store.

17. [Is] This your dog? No, [it's] my neighbor's.

18. A: [Would you] Like some more cake? B: No, [I'm] full.

19. [He] Said he could fix the car, but [he] needs more tools.

20. [Did] You lock the door? No, [I] forgot.

Answers:

1. A: Do you know where my keys are? B: Yes, they're on the kitchen table.

2. She promised to call, but she hasn’t yet.

3. A: Will you join us for dinner? B: No, I won't. I've already eaten.

4. Have you read the book? No, I haven’t.

5. A: Can you pass me the salt? B: Sure, here it is.

6. He said he’d be here by 3, but he's running late.

7. Do you play the guitar? No, I play the piano.

8. A: Is Susan coming to the party? B: I don’t think she is.

9. Is this your jacket? No, it's my brother's.

10. A: Did you enjoy the movie? B: No, I found it boring.

11. Did you bake these cookies? No, I bought them.

12. Was it raining when you left? No, it was clear.

13. A: Will you call me later? B: Yes, I'll call after work.

14. He invited everyone to the meeting, but he forgot to send the agenda.

15. A: Can you hand me the remote? B: Sorry, I can't reach it.

16. Do you know where Tom is? Yes, he went to the store.

17. Is this your dog? No, it's my neighbor's.

18. A: Would you like some more cake? B: No, I'm full.

19. He said he could fix the car, but he needs more tools.

20. Did you lock the door? No, I forgot.