Ellipsis in english

Ellipsis is a grammatical cohesive device

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Ellipsis in EnglishEllipsis in English
Halliday & Hassan (1976) Halliday & Hassan (1976) Cohesion in EnglishCohesion in English
Ahmed Qadoury Abed (Ph D candidate)Ahmed Qadoury Abed (Ph D candidate)
Baghdad University /College of Arts/Baghdad University /College of Arts/
English DepartmentEnglish Department

2. 2
What is What is ellipsisellipsis? 1? 1
SOMETHING UNDERSTOOD.SOMETHING UNDERSTOOD.
‘‘undertood’ in the special sense of undertood’ in the special sense of
‘going without saying’.‘going without saying’.
We are referring to clauses and We are referring to clauses and
sentences ,etc. whose structure is sentences ,etc. whose structure is
such as to presuppose some such as to presuppose some
preceding item, which then serves preceding item, which then serves
as the source of the missing as the source of the missing
informationinformation
An elliptical item is one which An elliptical item is one which
leaves specific structural slots to leaves specific structural slots to
be filled from elsewhere.be filled from elsewhere.
- - Joan brought some carnations ,and Cathrine (E) some Joan brought some carnations ,and Cathrine (E) some
sweet peas. sweet peas.

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Ellipsis , Substitution ,and Ellipsis , Substitution ,and
ReferenceReference
Halliday& Hassan define Halliday& Hassan define ellipsisellipsis in in
relation to another important cohesive relation to another important cohesive
device, i.e. device, i.e. substitutionsubstitution, since they , since they
embody the same fundamental relation embody the same fundamental relation
between parts of the text. between parts of the text. Ellipsis is Ellipsis is
substitution by zero.substitution by zero.
 a. This is a fine hall you have here. I’m
proud to be lecturing in it (R).
b. This is a fine hall you have here. I've
never lectured in a finer one (S).
c. This is a fine hall you have here. I've
never lectured in a finer (E).

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Ellipsis: Anophoric ,Cataphoric Ellipsis: Anophoric ,Cataphoric
, and Exophoric, and Exophoric
Ellipsis is normally an Ellipsis is normally an anaphoricanaphoric relation. relation.
Ellipsis is also Ellipsis is also catapjoriccatapjoric::
- - Because Alice won't Because Alice won't ( dust the furniture )( dust the furniture ); Mary has to ; Mary has to
dust the furniture.dust the furniture.
Occasionally the presupposition in an eliptical Occasionally the presupposition in an eliptical
structure may be it structure may be it exophoricexophoric . .
 If a housewife on seeing the milkman If a housewife on seeing the milkman
approach calls outapproach calls out
 Two please!Two please!
She is using exophoric ellipsis ;it is the context She is using exophoric ellipsis ;it is the context
of situation that provides the information of situation that provides the information
needed to interpret this (p.144).needed to interpret this (p.144).

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Types of EllipsisTypes of Ellipsis
1- Nominal Ellipsis1- Nominal Ellipsis
2- Verbal Ellipsis2- Verbal Ellipsis
3- Clausal Ellipsis3- Clausal Ellipsis

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Nominal Ellipsis 1Nominal Ellipsis 1
Nominal ellipsis means "the omission of a noun Nominal ellipsis means "the omission of a noun
head“ in a nominal group. head“ in a nominal group.
He bought a red car, but I like the blue.He bought a red car, but I like the blue.
The Nominal Group isThe Nominal Group is
(Premodifiers) + Head + (Postmodifiers)(Premodifiers) + Head + (Postmodifiers)
Those two fast electric Those two fast electric trainstrains with pantographswith pantographs
premodifiers Head postmodifierspremodifiers Head postmodifiers
ModifiersModifiers
1- Deictic (d) ------those------determiners1- Deictic (d) ------those------determiners
2- Numerative (n)-----two---- numerals (or quantifier)2- Numerative (n)-----two---- numerals (or quantifier)
3-Epithet (e)-----fast---adjectives3-Epithet (e)-----fast---adjectives
4- Classifiers (c) ----– nouns4- Classifiers (c) ----– nouns
5- Qualifier (q)---- with pantographs—(Relative Clause /pre phrase)5- Qualifier (q)---- with pantographs—(Relative Clause /pre phrase)
-Adverbs ---so, every, tooAdverbs ---so, every, too
-Head –(common noun, proper noun, pronoun)—ThingHead –(common noun, proper noun, pronoun)—Thing
The most characteristic instances of ellipsis are those with Deictics and The most characteristic instances of ellipsis are those with Deictics and
Numeratives (p.154)Numeratives (p.154)

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Nominal Ellipsis 2Nominal Ellipsis 2
Nominal ellipsis is when Head is omitted Nominal ellipsis is when Head is omitted
and its and its functionfunction is taken on by one of is taken on by one of
these modifiers. Therefore, it involves the these modifiers. Therefore, it involves the
upgradingupgrading of a word function not Head of a word function not Head
from the status of Modifier to the status of from the status of Modifier to the status of
Head.Head.
Which hat will you wear?Which hat will you wear?
 a- the best (E)a- the best (E)
 b- the best hat (no E)b- the best hat (no E)
This is c- the best of the hats (no E)This is c- the best of the hats (no E)
 d- the best of the three (E)d- the best of the three (E)
 e- the best you have (E) e- the best you have (E)

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Nominal Ellipsis: Deictics 4Nominal Ellipsis: Deictics 4
There are three types of Deictics:There are three types of Deictics:
Specific deicticsSpecific deictics
Non-specific deicticsNon-specific deictics
Post-deicticsPost-deictics

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Nominal Ellipsis: Specific Nominal Ellipsis: Specific
Deictics 5 Deictics 5
1- 1- PossessivesPossessives (Smith’s, my father’s, my, your, mine, hers, (Smith’s, my father’s, my, your, mine, hers,
…)…)
- Just ask Janet how to polish the brassware. Hers - Just ask Janet how to polish the brassware. Hers
sparkles.sparkles.
2- 2- DemonstrativesDemonstratives (this, that, these, those) (this, that, these, those)
3- 3- TheThe
TheThe itself does not operate elliptically, since its function is to itself does not operate elliptically, since its function is to
signal that the thing designated is fully defined, but by signal that the thing designated is fully defined, but by
something other than something other than thethe itself, it normally requires itself, it normally requires
another item with it as in the two , the small, etc.another item with it as in the two , the small, etc.
-The boy’s (The boy’s (parentsparents) had no time for him.) had no time for him.
-Take these pills three times daily. And you’d better Take these pills three times daily. And you’d better
have some more of those too.have some more of those too.
-The one that got away.The one that got away.
-Which one is your father?—the tallerWhich one is your father?—the taller

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Nominal Ellipsis: Non-Specific Nominal Ellipsis: Non-Specific
Deictics 6Deictics 6
Each , every, any, either , no, neither, a, some , all , Each , every, any, either , no, neither, a, some , all ,
andand both both
Of these, all occur as Head of an elliptical nominal Of these, all occur as Head of an elliptical nominal
except except everyevery, but , but aa, and , and nono have to be represented have to be represented
by the forms by the forms oneone and and nonenone ,respectively. ,respectively.
a. I hope no bones are broken ?-None to speak of.
b. I won't be introduced to the pudding, please. May I
give you some?
c. Have some milk.- I don't see any milk- There isn't
any.
d. Write an essay on the Stuart kings. Two pages
about each will do.
e. His sons went into business. Neither succeeded.

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Nominal Ellipsis: Post-Deictics Nominal Ellipsis: Post-Deictics
77
Post-deictics are not determiners but Post-deictics are not determiners but
adjectives. These are some thirty to forty adjectives. These are some thirty to forty
adjectives used commonly in deictic adjectives used commonly in deictic
function: function: other ,same ,different, identical, other ,same ,different, identical,
usual, regular, certain, odd, famous, usual, regular, certain, odd, famous,
well-known, typical, obvious well-known, typical, obvious ,etc. ,etc.
- - I ‘ve used up these three folders you I ‘ve used up these three folders you
gave me. Can I use the other?gave me. Can I use the other?
- I ‘ll have the usual, please.- I ‘ll have the usual, please.
- A group of well-dressed young men - A group of well-dressed young men
suddenly appeared on the stage. One of suddenly appeared on the stage. One of
them bowed to the audience; the others them bowed to the audience; the others
stood motionless.stood motionless.

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Nominal Ellipsis:Numeratives Nominal Ellipsis:Numeratives
88
The Numerative element in the nominal group is expressed
by numerals or other quantifying words, which form three
subcategories:
1-ordinals (first, next, last, second ,fourth ,…)
2- cardinals (the three, these three, any three, all three,the
usual three, the same three,…)
3- indefinite quantifiers (much ,many, more, most, few,
several, a little, lots, a bit, hundreds,..)
- Have another chocolate?- No thanks; that was my third.
- Have another chocolate?- No thanks;I’ve had my three.
- Can all cats climb trees?- They all can ;and most do.
- . 'You ought to have a wooden horse on wheels., that you
ought !. – ‘ I’ll get one’: the Knight said thoughtfully to
himself . ‘One or two - several.’
- ‘One side will make you grow taller,and the other side will
make you grow shorter.’ ‘One side of what?The other side of
what? Thought Alice to herself. ‘Of the mushroom,’ said the
Caterpiler,just as if she had asked it aloud.

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Nominal Ellipsis: Epithets 11Nominal Ellipsis: Epithets 11
The function of Epithet is typically fulfilled by an adjective .It is The function of Epithet is typically fulfilled by an adjective .It is
not common to find adjectives occurring as Head in ellipsis:not common to find adjectives occurring as Head in ellipsis:
1- colour adjectives1- colour adjectives
Green suits you very well.Green suits you very well.
2-2- oppositesopposites
I like strong tea. I suppose weak is better for you.I like strong tea. I suppose weak is better for you.
3-Attribute3-Attribute
The rich , the poor, the honestThe rich , the poor, the honest
4-comparative4-comparative
I’ll buy you some prettier.I’ll buy you some prettier.
Mary is the cleverer.Mary is the cleverer.
5-5- superlativesuperlative
They are fine actors. Jones always gets hold of the finest.They are fine actors. Jones always gets hold of the finest.

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Verbal Ellipsis 1Verbal Ellipsis 1
An elliptical verbal group presupposes one or more An elliptical verbal group presupposes one or more
words from a previous verbal group. Technically, it is words from a previous verbal group. Technically, it is
defined as a verbal group whose structure does not defined as a verbal group whose structure does not
fully express its systemic features:fully express its systemic features:
1- fi1- finiteness (finite or non-finite)niteness (finite or non-finite)
2- polarity :positive or negative2- polarity :positive or negative
3- voice :active or passive3- voice :active or passive
4- tense: past or present or future4- tense: past or present or future
a-Have you been swimming? – Yes, I have.a-Have you been swimming? – Yes, I have.
b- What have you been doing?- swimmingb- What have you been doing?- swimming
The elliptical The elliptical swimmingswimming has the features of finite, has the features of finite,
positive, active, present in past in present, but none positive, active, present in past in present, but none
of these selections is shown in its own structure. of these selections is shown in its own structure.
They have to be recovered by presupposition.They have to be recovered by presupposition.
A verb group (A verb group (have been swimminghave been swimming) whose structure ) whose structure
fully represents all its systematic features is not fully represents all its systematic features is not
elliptical.elliptical.

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Verbal Ellipsis: Lexical Ellipsis Verbal Ellipsis: Lexical Ellipsis
22
Lexical ellipsis is that type in which the lexical verb is Lexical ellipsis is that type in which the lexical verb is
missing from the verbal group. Thus, Any verbal missing from the verbal group. Thus, Any verbal
group not containing a lexical verb is elliptical. Any group not containing a lexical verb is elliptical. Any
verbal group consisting of a modal or an operator verbal group consisting of a modal or an operator
only can immediately be recognized as elliptical:only can immediately be recognized as elliptical:
- Is John going to come?- He might. He was to, but he - Is John going to come?- He might. He was to, but he
may not, - He should, if he wants his name to be may not, - He should, if he wants his name to be
considered.considered.
BeBe, , havehave, and , and dodo can be elliptical and substitutes can be elliptical and substitutes
(non-elliptical):(non-elliptical):
-Did Jane know?-No, but Mary did (no E).-Did Jane know?-No, but Mary did (no E).
- Did Jane know?- Yes ,she did (E).- Did Jane know?- Yes ,she did (E).
Here, the distinction between elliptical and non-elliptical Here, the distinction between elliptical and non-elliptical
forms has to be recovered from the presupposed forms has to be recovered from the presupposed
clause ,since clause ,since diddid is a lexical verb replaced by is a lexical verb replaced by knewknew in in
the first sentence ,while an operator in the latter.the first sentence ,while an operator in the latter.

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Verbal Ellipsis: Operator Verbal Ellipsis: Operator
Ellipsis 3Ellipsis 3
It involves only the omission of operators; the lexical It involves only the omission of operators; the lexical
verb always remains intact, and the subject is always verb always remains intact, and the subject is always
omitted from the clause; it must therefore be omitted from the clause; it must therefore be
presupposed:presupposed:
a. What have you been doing?a. What have you been doing?
b. swimming.b. swimming.
This constitutes the first type of operator ellipsis: This constitutes the first type of operator ellipsis:
sequences such as questions and answers, in which sequences such as questions and answers, in which
the lexical verb either supplies the answer to ‘do the lexical verb either supplies the answer to ‘do
what?’ as in the above example , or repudiates the what?’ as in the above example , or repudiates the
verb in the question:verb in the question:
- Has she been crying?- No, laughing . - Has she been crying?- No, laughing .
The other type is in coordination:The other type is in coordination:
- Some were laughing and others crying.- Some were laughing and others crying.

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Clausal Ellipsis 1Clausal Ellipsis 1
The clause has two-part structure consisting of The clause has two-part structure consisting of
modal and proposition:modal and proposition:
The Duke was The Duke was going to plant a row of poplars in the parkgoing to plant a row of poplars in the park
Modal PropositionalModal Propositional
In the park the Duke was going to plant a row of poplars .In the park the Duke was going to plant a row of poplars .
A row of poplars the Duke was going to plant in the park.A row of poplars the Duke was going to plant in the park.
The elements in circles are the modalThe elements in circles are the modal

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Clausal Ellipsis 2Clausal Ellipsis 2
Clausal ellipsis represents the Clausal ellipsis represents the
omission of a part of the clause or all omission of a part of the clause or all
of it. For example, the subject-of it. For example, the subject-
pronoun element is frequently pronoun element is frequently
omitted specially in spoken texts. omitted specially in spoken texts.
Such ellipsis is often associated with Such ellipsis is often associated with
questions and responses in questions and responses in
dialogues. It is similar to the verbal dialogues. It is similar to the verbal
ellipsis except that clausal ellipsis is ellipsis except that clausal ellipsis is
external to the verb itself, affecting external to the verb itself, affecting
other elements in the structure of the other elements in the structure of the
clause.clause.

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Clausal Ellipsis 3Clausal Ellipsis 3

Typically ,modal ellipsis Typically ,modal ellipsis occursoccurs in responses to a in responses to a
Wh- questions ‘what (did, does, do):Wh- questions ‘what (did, does, do):
a. What were they doing?- Holding hands.a. What were they doing?- Holding hands.
The usual type of non-finite dependent clause is simply a The usual type of non-finite dependent clause is simply a
clause with modal ellipsisclause with modal ellipsis

Typically, propositional ellipsis Typically, propositional ellipsis occursoccurs in responses in responses
to statements and yes/no questions, where the to statements and yes/no questions, where the
subject is presupposed by a reference item:subject is presupposed by a reference item:
a. The plane has landed.—Has it?a. The plane has landed.—Has it?
b. Has the plane landed?—Yes, it has.b. Has the plane landed?—Yes, it has.

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Clausal Ellipsis: No ellipsis of Clausal Ellipsis: No ellipsis of
single elements 4single elements 4
It is not possible in English to say:It is not possible in English to say:
*Has she taken her medicine?-She *Has she taken her medicine?-She
has taken.has taken.
Either we must reply with a full ,non-Either we must reply with a full ,non-
elliptical clause, or we must omit elliptical clause, or we must omit
both ‘her medicine’ and the lexical both ‘her medicine’ and the lexical
verb ‘take’, or ‘do’ as substitution:verb ‘take’, or ‘do’ as substitution:
She has taken her medicine. OrShe has taken her medicine. Or
She has. OrShe has. Or
She has done (S).She has done (S).

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Clausal Ellipsis: Question-Clausal Ellipsis: Question-
Answer 5Answer 5
The ‘question-answer’ sequence is a standard The ‘question-answer’ sequence is a standard
pattern in language, and the cohesive relation pattern in language, and the cohesive relation
between them has its own characteristic between them has its own characteristic
grammatical properties.grammatical properties.
An observation by a speaker may be followed by an An observation by a speaker may be followed by an
observation by another speaker that is related to it observation by another speaker that is related to it
in a cohesive tie. This is called in a cohesive tie. This is called rejoinderrejoinder..
A rejoinder can be A rejoinder can be direct responsedirect response or or indirect indirect
response.response.
A direct response as in yes/no question and wh-A direct response as in yes/no question and wh-
questions.questions.
Has John arrived? –Yes , he has.Has John arrived? –Yes , he has.
When did John arrive?- Yesterday.When did John arrive?- Yesterday.

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Clausal Ellipsis: Question-Clausal Ellipsis: Question-
Answer 6Answer 6
An indirect response can be:An indirect response can be:
1- one which comments on the question 1- one which comments on the question
((commentarycommentary):):
- How did they break in? –I’ll show you how.- How did they break in? –I’ll show you how.
- Is it Tuesday today? – I don’t know.- Is it Tuesday today? – I don’t know.
2- one which denies its relevance (2- one which denies its relevance (disclaimerdisclaimer):):
- Why didn’t you tell John? – I did.- Why didn’t you tell John? – I did.
- When did they cancel the booking?- Did they?- When did they cancel the booking?- Did they?
3-one which gives supplementary information implying 3-one which gives supplementary information implying
but not actually expressing an answer but not actually expressing an answer
((supplementarysupplementary):):
-Did you tell John?- He wasn’t there.-Did you tell John?- He wasn’t there.
-Are you coming back today?- This evening.-Are you coming back today?- This evening.

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Clausal Ellipsis: Indirect Clausal Ellipsis: Indirect
sequences 7sequences 7
This type found in indirect wh-This type found in indirect wh-
questions, indirect yes/no questions, questions, indirect yes/no questions,
and indirect statements:and indirect statements:
-The jewels are missing.– I wonder what else.The jewels are missing.– I wonder what else.
-Who could have broken those tiles?- I can’t think Who could have broken those tiles?- I can’t think
who.who.
-John was disappointed by the response.—You can John was disappointed by the response.—You can
ask him.ask him.
-She might be better living away from home. –I’m not She might be better living away from home. –I’m not
sure.sure.
-I wonder if it’ll rain on the day of the picnic.-I wonder if it’ll rain on the day of the picnic.-
Probably.Probably.
-England won the cup. –Who told you?England won the cup. –Who told you?
-I think the check is still valid.—The bank can tell I think the check is still valid.—The bank can tell
them.them.

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Thanks aloTThanks aloT