Ellipsis and Substitution

Ellipsis and substitution are used to omit and replace words in order to avoid repetition and create concise sentences.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use these structures and practise using them.

How to use ellipsis and substitution?

Ellipsis

  • Meaning to omit.
  • Words are omitted when the context of the sentence is obvious.
  • E.g. They are going to the spa today, but I can’t go (to the spa today).

Substitution

  • Meaning to replace words or phrases with a substitute to avoid repetition.
  • E.g. I think my computer is broken. I need a new one.
  • Use one/ones for noun substitutions.
  • Use do for verb substitutions.

Examples

He can't sing, but she can.
I liked the blue dress, so I bought it.
They were going to go to Turkey, but they decided not to.

Practise

Rewrite the sentences using ellipsis or substitution.

Common mistakes learners make

  • Repeating full verb/clause instead of using substitution
  • Not using one/ones in noun substitution

 

Common mistakes learners make

  • Repeating full verb/clause instead of using substitution
  • Not using one/ones in noun substitution

 

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