Ellipsis & Substitution

Grammar Reference

Ellipsis & Substitution — Exercises

Choose the correct ellipsis or substitution form

1. She promised to call, and she _____ the next day. (formal substitution)
   (did so / did it / done) 
2. Would you like a biscuit? Yes, I'd love _____. (ellipsis)
   (to / one / so) 
3. Do you think it will rain? I think _____.
   (so / it / yes) 
4. I don't think they'll win. I hope _____.
   (not / so / never) 
5. She wanted to leave, but couldn't afford _____.
   (to / it / so) 
6. Are you ready? If _____, we can start.
   (so / not / it) 
7. I bought the blue bag, but I prefer the red _____.
   (one / ones / that) 
8. He agreed to the terms and _____ under duress.
   (did so / did it / did) 

Rewrite to avoid repetition using ellipsis or substitution

1. She said she would help and she helped the next day.
   
2. I need a new phone — a cheap phone.
   
3. Do you believe the report is accurate? I believe the report is accurate.
   
4. She wanted to apply, but she was not ready to apply.
   

Exercise three — Production

1. Write two connected clauses where the second uses ellipsis to avoid repetition.
   

Ellipsis & Substitution — Answer Key

Choose the correct ellipsis or substitution form

1. did so
2. one
3. so
4. not
5. to
6. so
7. one
8. did so

Rewrite to avoid repetition using ellipsis or substitution

1. She said she would help and she did so the next day.
2. I need a new phone — a cheap one.
3. Do you believe the report is accurate? I think so.
4. She wanted to apply, but she was not ready to.

Exercise three — Production

1. Open answer — graded automatically online; no single fixed model answer.