Explanation
Exercises
Ellipsis & Substitution

Lesson focus

Avoiding repetition with do so, one/ones, so/not, auxiliary ellipsis, infinitival ellipsis and formal substitution

Advanced aim: Use ellipsis and substitution to create cohesion and avoid repetition without making reference ambiguous.

Do so

Use do so to substitute for a previously mentioned verb phrase in formal or neutral style.

  • Example: The regulator asked the company to publish the data, and it agreed to do so.
  • In another context: The inspectorate asked the publishing group to publish the source files, and it agreed to do so.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

One/ones

Use one/ones to replace countable nouns when the reference is clear.

  • Example: The first proposal was too expensive, so we considered a cheaper one.
  • In another context: Separate scenario: The first proposal was too expensive, so we considered a cheaper one.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

So after think

Use think/believe/expect + so to substitute for a positive that-clause.

  • Example: Will the plan work? I think so.
  • In another context: Follow-up case: Will the plan work? I think so.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Not after hope

Use hope not / expect not in some contexts to substitute for a negative clause.

  • Example: Is the delay likely to continue? I hope not.
  • In another context: Is the approval delay likely to continue? I hope not.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Auxiliary ellipsis

Repeat only the auxiliary when the main verb phrase is understood.

  • Example: I haven't seen the final version, but Elena has.
  • In another context: I haven't seen the final version, but Sofia has.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Infinitive ellipsis

The infinitive marker to can remain when the rest of the infinitive phrase is understood.

  • Example: I didn't want to complain, but eventually I had to.
  • In another context: Separate scenario: I didn't want to complain, but eventually I had to.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Comparative ellipsis

In comparative clauses, repeated material can often be omitted when the meaning is clear.

  • Example: The new process is more efficient than the old one was.
  • In another context: Follow-up case: The new process is more efficient than the old one was.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

If so

If so substitutes for a previously mentioned condition or proposition.

  • Example: The figures may have been revised; if so, we need the latest version.
  • In another context: The projections may have been revised; if so, we need the latest version.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

If not

If not can substitute for a negative alternative or condition.

  • Example: Can we finish today? If not, we'll continue tomorrow.
  • In another context: Regional example: Can we finish today? If not, we'll continue tomorrow.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

That/those substitution

Formal English can use that/those to avoid repeating a noun phrase, often with of-phrases.

  • Example: The results were similar to those of the previous survey.
  • In another context: The pilot findings were similar to those of the previous survey.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

C1 takeaway

Do not ask only “Which form is grammatically possible?” Ask what the speaker is presenting as background or foreground, completed or ongoing, certain or tentative, generic or specific, neutral or emphatic. Advanced grammar is the control of those choices.

Exercises:
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3

Avoiding repetition with do so, one/ones, so/not, auxiliary ellipsis, infinitival ellipsis and formal substitution

Practice 1 · Controlled production

Complete each gap using the stated cue. Read the whole context; some items accept more than one form.

1
Use DO SO to avoid repeating an action:
The trustee promised to release the figures and eventually .
2
Use ONE to avoid repeating a count noun:
The first lens was scratched, so I requested . Include AN UNDAMAGED.
3
Use SO after THINK:
Will the sculpture fit through the doorway? I .
4
Use NOT after HOPE:
Will the river rise again tonight? I .
5
Use auxiliary ellipsis:
I haven't read the amended clause, but Marta .
6
Keep infinitival TO:
I didn't intend to object, but I felt obliged .
7
Omit the repeated adjective with an appropriate past form:
This engine is quieter than the old one .
8
Use IF SO:
The lock may have been replaced; , the old key will be useless.
9
Use IF NOT:
Can the visitors stay until Monday? , we will rearrange the tour.
10
Use THOSE: The new readings resemble the readings from the control site.
They resemble .

Avoiding repetition with do so, one/ones, so/not, auxiliary ellipsis, infinitival ellipsis and formal substitution

Practice 2 · Contextual choice

Choose the option that best fits the stated meaning, viewpoint or register.

1
Avoid repeating the promised action:
The editor agreed to correct the attribution and has now .
2
Replace a plural count noun:
These hinges are rusted; we need .
3
Substitute for a positive proposition:
Is the path still open? I believe .
4
Express a hoped-for negative outcome:
Will they cancel the trip? I hope .
5
Retain the correct perfect auxiliary:
The volunteers have finished, but the technicians .
6
Omit a recoverable infinitive after want:
I could explain, but I don't want .
7
Allow normal comparative ellipsis:
The new ferry is faster than .
8
Retrieve a positive preceding condition: The figures may be provisional.
, we should label them clearly.
9
Retrieve the negative alternative:
Can you attend in person? , we can arrange a video link.
10
Replace a singular mass noun in formal comparison:
This year's rainfall exceeds .

Avoiding repetition with do so, one/ones, so/not, auxiliary ellipsis, infinitival ellipsis and formal substitution

Practice 3 · C1 challenge

Choose the interpretation or analysis that best fits the example.

1
“The singer promised to return, and she did.” What is omitted?
2
“I think so” can answer “Will it work?” What does so replace?
3
“I hope not” after “Will she resign?” expresses what?
4
“I don't hope so” is not the usual equivalent of “I hope not.” Why?
5
“The blue ones” requires what kind of recoverable antecedent?
6
“She said she'd apologise, and she has.” What does has preserve?
7
“I wanted to stay, but wasn't allowed to.” Why can final to remain?
8
“The room is warmer than the corridor.” Is an overt is required after corridor?
9
“If so” and “if not” differ in what?
10
“Those of the northern population” after “migration patterns” replaces what?