Upper-Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #156 of 305

Ellipsis

Omit repeated words.

Examples

  • She can sing and (can) dance.

Key rules

  • Omit repeated words that are clear from context
  • After and, but, or you may omit the subject and auxiliary
  • In answers: Can you swim? Yes, I can
  • Do not omit words if meaning becomes unclear

Common mistakes

  • She was tired and was hungry → She was tired and hungry
  • I can't swim but my brother → I can't swim but my brother can
💡 Tip: Use ellipsis to avoid repetition, not to cut meaning.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Upper-Intermediate quiz
← Participle Clauses (Advanced)Substitution: So and Not →

Related Upper-Intermediate topics

See all Upper-Intermediate grammar lessons →

Inversion with Negative Adverbials

Place auxiliary before subject after never, rarely, no sooner.

Cleft Sentences

It is/was ... that, What... is.. to emphasise.

Subjunctive Mood

Use base form after demands and suggestions.

Advanced Modals: Needn't, Dare, Ought To

Less common modal forms.

Future in the Past

was going to / would to describe past plans.

Participle Clauses (Advanced)

Perfect and passive participles join ideas.