UNIT 11: ELLIPSIS
F. Ellipsis in Noun Phrases
This kind of ellipsis may occur when we drop repeated nouns after adjectives particularly when one is talking about choice. Noun can also be dropped after determiners such as possessive adjectives, numbers, demonstratives, etc. Noun may also be omitted when we talk about well known or famous names suvh as Hilton (hotel) and mermaid (theatre). Note that we cannot drop nouns in situations other than the mentioned ones. Look at the examples below. Bracket () indicates the words left out in sentences or phrases.
Would you like hot or cold tea? Hot (tea), please.
I’m looking for the cheapest (clothes).
I’m planning to buy ten bikes, but only six (bikes) available at the shop.
I’ll be staying at Fave (hotel) this evening.
G. ELLIPSIS AFTER AUXILLIARIES
In the case of auxiliaries, we can leave out the main verbs after the repeated auxiliaries in the verb phrase in case the meaning is clear. In many cases, even the rest of the words after the auxiliaries can be omitted. Note that we use do when there is auxiliary to repeat in sentences. When we use ellipsis after the auxiliaries, the pronunciation of these auxiliaries is stressed. In addition, this ellipsis may also happen after non-auxiliary be and have.
They said they would come on time, but they wouldn’t.
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They said they dropped by Iman’s house, and they did.
You can’t afford to pay the rent, but I can.
Who has an extra pen? I have.
Are you happy? I am.
I want to swim. So do I.
H. ELLIPSIS WITH INFINITIVES
We can leave out what comes after to in an infinite phrase when the meaning is clear, even in some cases the whole infinitive phrase might be dropped. However, it is important to note that not all parts of the infinitive phrase can be dropped, words like ‘be’
and ‘have’ used after to cannot be dropped. In other cases, to can never be omitted when it is used after would like, want, and other verbs that are normally followed by to-infinitive. Here are some useful examples.
I’m really sorry I hurt you. I didn’t mean to (hurt you).
This building is far more beautiful than it used to be.
It’s not his time to apply for a job. He doesn’t have the qualification (to).
Do you want to study abroad? I’d like to.
I. UNIT SUMMARY
Ellipsis can happen in a variety of ways. These include ellipsis with coordinate conjunction, auxiliaries, infinitive, noun phrase and ellipsis at the beginning of sentence. The ellipsis, however, should be used in speech rather than writing and only when the meaning of the missing parts can be figured out by our hearers.
163 J. EXERCISES
PART A
Read carefully each of the following statements or questions and choose the best option to complete the sentences.
1. Tom just stopped fishing even though he………. . A. Didn’t want
B. Wanted to C. Didn’t want to D.Wants
2. I drove carelessly and my car hit another car but I didn’t …………
A. mean B. mean to C. meant D. to mean
3. We should greet our guests and …….. them feel like a
‘King”.
A. To make B. making C. make D. made
4. Do you think it will rain tonight? I………
A. Hope not B. Hoping not C. Not to hope D. Am hoping
5. Nowadays, the Muslim population in the world is bigger than…………
A. It used to B. It used to be C. It is used to D.It is used to being
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6. Many Muslims do fasting but ……. It benefits on health.
A. Few don’t realize B. Few realize C. Realize D. Not realize
7. You recite the qur’an better than ………….
A. The usual imam recites B.The usual Imam’s recitation C.The usual Imam does
D. Recitation by the usual imam
8. All of my Malaysian friends expected their team to win the football match and …………..
A. We did it too B. We did C. we did so D. we did too
9. Sana Khan has decided to leave showbiz for her faith in Islam. …………..
A. Why?
B. Why has she decided?
C. Why has she?
D. Why did she have?
10.………, you can use my car.
A. If you need B. When you need C. If you need to D. You need to
165 PART B
Rewrite the following sentences into ellipsis.
1. They feel very exhausted but they feel incredibly satisfied about themselves.
……….
2. That is Amy’s pet. This pet is mine.
……….
3. He just quit his PhD and he will tell you why he quit.
……….
4. If you can call me, call me as soon as you arrive here.
……….
5. Will she pass the TOEFL exam? I Certainly hope you will pass the exam.
……….
PART C
Can you find the ellipsis in the monologue transcript below. Find at least ten ellipses.
“What are we doing here and where are we going to go?
It's like we just woke up one morning and then it's welcome to the show. Don't ask any questions just go with the flow. Make as much money as you can and try your best not to get broke. “
“Copy everything you see on the tv, from the hairstyles to the clothes and don't think too often just do exactly as you’re told. You ever get confused then turn towards the alcohol. You still hear your thoughts? Then just turn up the radio as you learn to live a lifestyle of drugs, sex and rock n roll. But in all honesty I just need to know