Explanation
Exercises
Ellipsis & substitution devices
B2 • Pre-Advanced Concise guide + examples

What are they?

Ellipsis removes words that are obvious from context. Substitution replaces a repeated word or clause with a shorter item. Both make discourse lighter, avoid repetition, and keep parallel structure.

Form rule. After ellipsis, the remaining part must keep the same tense, polarity (positive/negative), and agreement as the original full form.

Ellipsis after and / but / or

  • He closed the door and (he) took off his shoes.
  • We could go out or (we could) have a party at home.
  • She called, but (she) didn’t leave a message.

Here we drop a repeated subject or subject + auxiliary.

Ellipsis after be (adjectives/adverbs)

  • They say he’s the best now, but I don’t think he is (the best).
  • Although it seems far, it isn’t (far).

After be we can omit the repeated complement.

Verb-phrase ellipsis

Repeat only the auxiliary/modal — drop the verb phrase.

Same auxiliary Maria should take the exam, but I don’t think you should (take it).

Different auxiliary I’m studying, but not as much as I should (be studying).

Perfect meaning She didn’t win, but she could have (won). — “Did you go?” “No, but I should have (gone).”

Do-support She doesn’t like it, but I do. / She liked it, but I didn’t.

Reduced infinitive I really want to (go out), but I shouldn’t. — “Are you going to sell the car?” “No, I’ve decided not to (sell it).”

Keep polarity. Don’t switch positive/negative when you drop the verb phrase.

Substitution for nouns

one / ones avoid repeating a countable noun.

  • “Which car?” — “The red one.”
  • Will you wear these trousers or the ones I gave you?
  • I’d lend you a pen, but this is the only one I have.

Another / others can also substitute nouns when you mean “a different one/others”.

Substitution for verb phrases & clauses

do so (formal/neutral) = repeat the whole action.

  • If I can help, I’ll be happy to do so.
  • I won’t apologise because doing so would admit I was wrong.

Informal alternatives: do it / do that.

if so / if not replace conditional clauses: Be there at 9. If not, call me.

so / not after thinking/saying verbs:

  • “Are they coming?” — “I think so.”
  • “Will it take long?” — “I don’t think so.”
  • “Can we go?” — “I’m afraid not.”
  • “Did they leave a key?” — “It doesn’t seem so / It seems not.”

so / neither + auxiliary + subject to agree:

  • “I can be there at 10.” — “So can I.”
  • “I shouldn’t say anything.” — “Neither should you.”
  • “I love this book.” — “So do I.”

Quick patterns

PatternUseExample
[and/but/or] (+) S/AUX (…) Drop repeated subject/auxiliary She called, but (she) didn’t leave a message.
AUX (+/−) … but S AUX (…) Verb-phrase ellipsis We should start, but they shouldn’t (start).
do/does/did Ellipsis with simple tenses She likes it, but I don’t.
to / not to (+ …) Reduced infinitive I want to (go), but I decided not to (go).
one / ones Noun substitution Take the red one, not the blue one.
do so / do it Action substitution If you must complain, do so politely.
so / not after V Replace whole clause I hope so. / I’m afraid not.
so / neither + AUX + S Agreement “I was late.” — “So was Tom.” / “Neither was Kate.”

Common pitfalls

  • Don’t mix tenses/auxiliaries: *She likes coffee, and I do too drink it ➜ and I do / and so do I.
  • Keep reference clear: with do it/that, make sure it/that points to one obvious action.
  • Use one/ones only for countables: not for uncountables (some advice, not *an advice one).
Style tip. Ellipsis and substitution are frequent in speech, emails, and headlines. In formal writing, prefer do so over do it and keep structures parallel.
Exercises:
1
2
3

Ellipsis and substitution devices

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences below.
1
“I love hiking.” — .
2
“I don’t like early flights.” — .
3
Applicants must submit the form online; those who fail to by Friday may be disqualified.
4
“Which cake would you like?” — “The chocolate , please.”
5
Current figures are higher than last year.
6
She cooks more often than .
7
We might need extra chairs. , there are some in the storeroom.
8
I promised to call, and I will this evening.
9
“Will they sign the contract?” — “I think .”
10
Emma can drive, and so her brother.

Ellipsis and substitution devices

Choose the correct answer.
1
“Will you be at the meeting?” — “I ____.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
“I don’t like crowded gyms.” — “____.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
“Do you need a charger?” — “No, I don’t think ____.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
The 7 p.m. show may sell out; ____, we’ll add another date.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
I like the red mugs. Do you have any larger ____?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
“Is Mia ready?” — “She might ____.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
“I’ve already sent the invites.” — “____.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
She hasn’t replied yet, but she promised ____.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
He may come, but I doubt ____.
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
“Has Dan finished the report?” — “He says he has, and I believe ____.”
A.
B.
C.
D.

Ellipsis and substitution devices

Fill in the gaps using one suitable word or two contracted words (e.g. don’t, shouldn’t, or similar)
1
I will take the red mug; you can take the blue .
2
I believe the figures are correct — I think too.
3
If the report is ready, upload it; if , draft a summary first.
4
She did not enjoy the concert, and I did not .
5
I have never been to Japan. — Me .
6
I love hiking. — So I.
7
These cables are faulty; use the new instead.
8
He claims the plan will work; I do not think .
9
Have you sent the invoice? — I already .
10
Are you attending the meeting? — I not; I am on leave.