Overview
Avoid repetition using ellipsis and substitution — key cohesion devices in advanced English.
Ellipsis Types
- Clausal'Can you attend?' 'I can [attend].' — omit repeated VP
- Verbal'She worked harder than he [worked].' — omit repeated verb
- Nominal'Take the red pen or the blue [pen].' — omit repeated noun
- Auxiliary'She hasn't finished, but I have [finished].' — auxiliary only
Substitution
- do so'She resigned. I would never do so.' — verbal substitute
- one/ones'I need a pen — do you have one?' — nominal substitute
- the same'He apologised and I did the same.' — clausal
- not'Is she coming?' 'I hope not.' — negative substitute
Register Note
- Ellipsis creates concision — important in formal writing and professional communication.
- ❌ Ambiguous ellipsis: He studied more than she — did or didn't? Clarify if needed.
- do so is more formal than do it: preferred in academic/formal prose.
When to use
Dialogue
'Did you finish the report?' 'I did, yes.'
Academic writing
The first study found a positive effect; the second did not.
Business comms
She submitted the form early, and her colleague did so too.
Formal prose
Those who can afford to wait should; those who cannot may proceed.