Cohesion

Ellipsis

We can sometimes leave out words in sentences to avoid repetition, or when the meaning of the sentence is clear without these words. We call this ellipsis. We can leave out words in the following cases:

-to avoid repeating the same noun.

• There is a large number of Andrew Marshalls in the world and quite a few [of the Andrew Marshalls] are writers and journalists.
• I painted one wall and Jim painted the other [wall].
• I haven't got a pen. Use Paula's [pen].
• I failed the first exam but passed the second [exam].

-when the main verb is exactly the same and is followed by an object, complement or adverbial, we can also leave it out.

• Ben does the shopping, Paula [does] the cooking, and Andy [does] the cleaning.
• James cleaned the kitchen, Beth [cleaned] the living room and Olive [cleaned] the bathroom.
• One sister is a doctor and the other [sister is] a graphic designer.
• Andy travelled by bus, Olivia [travelled] by plane, and Gavin [travelled] on horseback.

-to avoid repeating the main verb after an auxiliary.

• I liked the film, but Jackie didn't [like it].
• I thought you were working, but I can see that you are not [working].
• She never bought a flat, but now she wishes she had [bought a flat].

Note that a verb, noun, etc., is usually left out the second time it is used. But sometimes it can be left out the first time, especially when two modal verbs are used together, separated by and.

• The students can [do extra study at home] and must do extra study at home.
• I think you could [tell him about it] and should tell him about it.

This can also happen with certain verbs used with prepositions.

• He believed in [his right to enter the country] and argued for his right to enter the country.

To avoid repeating a whole verb in the infinitive, we can just use to.

• I didn't arrive early, but I wanted to [arrive early].
• "Are you coming to the party?" "We hope to [come]."