C1 · Lesson 9 · 25 min
Ellipsis and substitution
In this lesson
- I can avoid repetition with auxiliary ellipsis and do so.
- I can use so and not while keeping the reference clear.
Grammar in context
Ruth has checked the figures, but Omar has not. He intends to do so this afternoon. Will the report be ready tomorrow? Ruth thinks so, and the editor hopes so too.
What words are understood after has not? What action does do so replace, and what proposition does so stand for?
Leave out recoverable words
Ellipsis removes words that a reader or listener can recover from the context. An auxiliary can remain when a verb phrase is omitted: Mina has finished, but I have not. Choose an auxiliary that agrees with the new subject and preserves the intended tense or modal meaning. If the original verb has no auxiliary in the present or past simple, use do, does or did. The omitted meaning must remain clear rather than merely convenient for the writer.
- I liked the first proposal, and my colleague did too.
- The manager can attend, but the assistant cannot.
Substitute for an action with do so
Do so can replace a previously mentioned action or verb phrase in fairly formal language. It is especially useful in instructions or descriptions of deliberate actions. Do changes to does, did or another required form according to the new sentence. The reference should be an action already supplied in context. Do so is not a general replacement for any adjective, noun or state, and repeating a short phrase can sometimes sound more natural.
- Please sign the register if you have not already done so.
- A few visitors left early; others did so after the talk.
Substitute for a proposition with so or not
After verbs such as think, hope and expect, so can stand for an affirmative proposition already mentioned. Not can stand for its negative counterpart with some verbs: I hope not. With think, I do not think so is generally more natural than I think not in ordinary conversation, although the latter is grammatical in formal use. Preserve polarity and reference: hoping so and hoping not communicate opposite wishes.
- Will the weather improve? I hope so.
- Has the venue closed permanently? I hope not.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
Lena has applied, but I do not.
Use
Lena has applied, but I have not.
Use have to preserve the present perfect in this parallel contrast.
Avoid
The form must be signed. Please do it so.
Use
The form must be signed. Please do so.
Do so is the substitute phrase; do not insert it into that phrase.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.