Ellipsis

Ellipsis

Grammatical omission – the actual word(s) must be precisely recoverable.

Initial, medial, final

Situational, structural, textual

Textual

The interpretation depends on what is said or written in the linguistic context

Anaphoric cataphoric

I’m happy if you are (HAPPY). Those who prefer (TO STAY INDOOR) can stay indoor.

General – typically final and anaphoric

Head + postmodifier ellipted

The first expedition to the Antarctic was quickly followed by another two

Postmodifier ellipted

Stan spent part of his winnings, and the rest he saved.

Head ellipted

They claim that the Danish butter is the finest in the world.

Predicate ellipted

If I could have bought a ticket, I would have.

Clause ellipted (except for an introductory word – Wh word, to, not to, etc.)

I would love to do it, but I do not know how.

You can go to the cinema if you want to.

Special

Coordination

Sam has trimmed the hedge and mowed the lawn.

Non-finite clauses

(Since/because/as they were) considered works of art, they were admitted into the country without customs duties.

Verbless clauses – limited to two clause types: SVC, SVA

Once a thief, always a thief.

Comparative clauses

Jane is as healthy as her sister (is).

Jane is healthier than her sister (is).

He loves his dog more than his children.