ELLIPSIS

Knowing when and why you can omit certain words in speaking or writing is very useful.

These omissions are learned by listening and speaking English. These omissions of words are called "Ellipsis". Here we have ready a table that explains why certain words are omitted in English.

Type of Ellipsis	What is	Examples
1) WITH THE RELATIVE PRONOUN “THAT”	The pronoun "that" is frequently omitted in casual style. When you can omit it: 1. In indirect speech after "reporting verbs": Say, think, suggest. "That" is omitted after some verbs like "shout", "reply" and nouns. 2. Relative sentences. You can omit "that" when is the object in a relative sentence. 3. After adjectives. You can omit "that" after certain common expressions. 4. Two words conjunctions such as: "provided that" and "so that" and "such that" and "assuming that" "supposing that" and "now that".	1. He said (that) he was coming. -They replied that it was right.  -She said (that) she disliked our view that he should wear a tie. Note: Here "that" goes after the noun "view" and can not be omitted. 2. These are the things (that) we bought in London. Note: "The things we bought in Madrid" is the object in this sentence, not subject. 3. -It’s funny (that) you say that. Note: “Funny” is the adjective. -I’m glad (that) you CAME - They were surprised (that) you called them.  4.-He is such an intelligent person (that) they decided to hire him. - You can come provided (that) you are properly dressed.
2) AT THE BEGINNING OF A SENTENCE	When the meaning is clear, in the informal style can be omitted: pronouns, auxiliary verbs, articles and there.	· (I) hope you’re fine. –Omitted pronoun. · (Have you) seen him? - Auxiliary verb and pronoun are omitted. · (There is) nobody here.-. There and the verb are omitted.
3) AT THE END OF A SENTENCE (NOUN PHRASE)	A "noun phrase" is a word or group of words that work in a sentence as subject, object or prepositional object (preposition + noun). Example: The cat on the sofa. Are omitted at the end of the "noun phrases": 1. The last words of familiar names. 2. The noun is repeated after an adjective. 3. The noun after "determiner".	1. We are staying at the NH (hotel). Nota: It is supposed that both interlocutors know what "NH" 2. How would you like your eggs? Fried (eggs).  Note: "eggs" is omitted behind the adjective "fried" because it is understood. 3. These are my books. And these (books) are mine. Note: The "determiner" is "These". Like that in the above example, it is understood.
4) AT THE END OF A SENTENCE (VERB PHRASE)	A "verb phrase" is a group of words that includes a verb, its complements and modifiers that functions as a verb. Example: To make wine (verb phrase), you need grapes. 1. We repeat only the auxiliary verb instead of the whole sentence. If the meaning is clear, we can omit the "noun phrase" and leave only the auxiliary 2. If more than one auxiliary, sometimes you can omit the second auxiliary. 3. In short answers. 4. Replace with "do" the main verb in British English. 5. Failure of the verb + object / complement. 6. Sentences containing "if / when, can / could" - "If wish, want, like".	1. He said he’d do it, but he hasn’t done it. Note: We omit “done it” after the auxiliary “hasn’t”. 2.  They wouldn’t have eaten it anyway. Yes, they would (have eaten it).  3.  Did you do it? Yes, I did (do it) 4.  Did they think she’ll come?  They thought she may do. Note: “Do” is replacing “come”. 5. Who is the shop assistant? He is (the shop assistant.).Note: We leave out the object ”Shop assistant” 6.  If you like, go to my office on Monday. Nota: It is understood “If you like to go to my office, go to my office on Monday”
5)  ANSWERS	In the answers, we omit the information just given.	· What time are you leaving? (I’m leaving) At around 5 · Who did this? Peter (did this).
6) INFINITIVES	We can use "to", without mentioning the verb that follows "to" when it is understood from the context of what we are referring.	· Are you going to see the film? I’ll try to (see it)-. · Will you buy that car? I want to (buy that car)
7) COMPARATIVES	If the meaning is understood can omit the words after "than" and "as".	· I have more information than you (have). · He is no as good as you (are).
8) STRUCTURES WITH “AND”, “BUT” y “OR”	The words that are repeated and related to each other behind "and", "but" and "or" are omitted.	· I need some bread and (some) butter. · It is cheap, but (it is) good.   · You can drive or (you can) walk.
9) INTERROGATIVES	You can omit sentences that go before interrogative when the meaning is understood	· I want to make a website, but I don’t know how (to make it). · She left without leaving a note and I don’t know why (she left).
10) STRUCTURES WITH RELATIVE PRONOUNS AND THE VERB “TO BE”	Sometimes you can omit the pronoun and the verb "to be" before participles or adjectives “possible”, “available”	· I want to work all the hours (that are) available. · She wants to know all the possible ways (that are possible) to solve the problem.
11) PREPOSITIONS	Can be omitted in informal conversations.	· (At) what time is she coming? ·  Let’s meet (on) Friday.
12)  PRONOUNS AFTER PREPOSITIONS OF TIME	British English can omit the "object pronouns" that go behind some prepositions.	· I want to write my name on (it). · Put the things in (them). (Box, for example)
13) TO BE, AFTER CONJUNCTIONS	The subject can be omitted after certain conjunctions.	· Please, switch off your phone when (you are) on board.  · We did it as (it was) agreed.
14) SHORT STYLES	In newspaper headlines, titles, instructions, you can omit words that are not essential.	· Stir and fry until (it is) brown. ·  (it was) Gone with the wind. ·  Prices (will) increase annually.