masterMind Level 2

Unit 10 Grammar 2

ELLIPSIS AND
SUBSTITUTION
 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

1. Which speaker is using ellipsis? A

2. Which speaker is using substitution? C
3. What words have been left out?
(Have you) come to a decision yet?
A: Come to a
decision yet?

I think we have.  so
B: Yes,
C: I think so. We’re working
we have.
on the details now.
 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

1. Identify the ellipsis and substitution.

2. What words are missing?
A: Spoken to Brian recently?
B: No, actually I haven’t seen him for ages. Why?
A: He’s changed jobs. Working for a bank now.
Something to do with computer fraud.
B: Does he like it?
A: I think so. Seemed very pleased when I saw him.

TIP We use ellipsis and substitution in spoken English.

 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

More examples of ellipsis and substitution:

1. A: Your email account ever been hacked?
B: I don’t believe so. Hope not!

2. C: People using social media need to be vigilant.

D: Yeah, I think so, too. Can’t be too careful!

3. E: Rachael post the pictures from the party?

F: I hope not. I looked really silly in that costume.

 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

Uses Forms Examples

Ellipsis Omitting initial Seen the news about

unstressed words the latest scam?

Reduced relative People scammed this

structures way need to be
careful.
Substitution Expressions using …if you do so…
so/not …after doing so…
I hope so/hope not.
I don’t think so.
 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

We use ellipsis and substitution to avoid repetition.

1. Changed your password recently?
2. People hacked in this way can lose a lot of money.
3. You hoping to get the money back?
4.You can change it now, and if you do so, your
account will be more secure.
5. A: Is your account secure now?
B: I believe so.
6. A: Can they get into the account now?
B: I hope not.
 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

Rewrite the sentences, using ellipsis or subsitution.

1 People who are shopping a lot online are at risk of
identity theft.
2 I suggest that you change your passwords
when doing
regularly and when you change so
the passwords,
don’t use obvious dates and names.
3 Are you feeling OK? You look a bit pale.
4 A: Have you ever read anything by this author?
B: Isn’t he the guy obsessed with aliens?
not
A: I hope he isn’t the guy obsessed with aliens!
 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

Discuss the following topics with a partner:

• what you do to stay secure online

• what you do online regularly
• if you think you take enough precautions to keep
yourself safe from hackers
• anything you might do in future for security

Use ellipsis and substitution to express your ideas.

 ELLIPSIS AND SUBSTITUTION

Grammar wrap-up
What’s right? What’s wrong?
1. Log on, and when you do so,
set up a new password. Right.
Wrong:
2. A: Will you need any help?
I expect so. /
B: I expect not so.
I expect not.
3. Know John? Right.
Wrong:
4. The woman who standing over
The woman
there is a UFO expert.
standing ...