Blog about English
Avoiding repetition by omitting or replacing words.
Practice: build the sentences →Ellipsis omits words that can be understood from the context, while substitution replaces repeated material with another word or expression.
Both devices help English avoid unnecessary repetition and are especially common in connected speech and writing.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
The repeated subject "she" is omitted before "walked inside" (ellipsis).
I need a pen. Do you have one?
Мне нужна ручка. У тебя есть?
"One" substitutes for the previously mentioned noun "pen" (substitution).
John likes coffee and Mary tea.
Джон любит кофе, а Мэри — чай.
The verb "likes" is omitted in the second clause (ellipsis).
I can swim and my brother can too.
Я умею плавать, и мой брат тоже.
The verb phrase "swim" is omitted after "can too" (ellipsis).
She has finished the report and I think John has too.
Она закончила отчёт, и, думаю, Джон тоже.
The verb phrase "finished the report" is omitted after "has too" (ellipsis).
He promised to help and he did so immediately.
Он обещал помочь и сразу это сделал.
"Did so" substitutes for the verb phrase "help" (substitution).
I prefer the red shoes to the black ones.
Я предпочитаю красные туфли чёрным.
"Ones" substitutes for the plural noun "shoes" (substitution).
Will they arrive on time? I hope so.
Они прибудут вовремя? Надеюсь, что да.
"So" substitutes for the clause "they will arrive on time" (substitution).
A repeated subject can sometimes be omitted when coordinated clauses clearly share the same subject.
For example, She opened the door and walked inside omits the repeated subject she before walked.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
The repeated subject "she" is omitted before "walked inside".
He sat down and read the newspaper.
Он сел и прочитал газету.
The repeated subject "he" is omitted before "read".
They arrived early and waited outside.
Они прибыли рано и ждали снаружи.
The repeated subject "they" is omitted before "waited".
The children played in the garden and laughed happily.
Дети играли в саду и весело смеялись.
The repeated subject "the children" is omitted before "laughed".
She washed the dishes and dried them.
Она помыла посуду и вытерла её.
The repeated subject "she" is omitted before "dried".
He finished his homework and went to bed.
Он закончил домашнюю работу и пошёл спать.
The repeated subject "he" is omitted before "went".
We ate dinner and watched a movie.
Мы поужинали и посмотрели фильм.
The repeated subject "we" is omitted before "watched".
The dog barked and ran to the door.
Собака залаяла и побежала к двери.
The repeated subject "the dog" is omitted before "ran".
Parts of a repeated predicate can be omitted when the missing material is recoverable from the context.
For example, John likes coffee and Mary tea can omit likes before tea in suitably formal contexts.
John likes coffee and Mary tea.
Джон любит кофе, а Мэри — чай.
The verb "likes" is omitted before "tea".
She can sing and dance.
Она умеет петь и танцевать.
The modal "can" is understood before "dance".
He will call you and send an email.
Он позвонит тебе и отправит письмо.
The auxiliary "will" is understood before "send".
They have finished the project and submitted the report.
Они закончили проект и сдали отчёт.
The auxiliary "have" is understood before "submitted".
She was tired and hungry.
Она была уставшей и голодной.
The verb "was" is understood before "hungry".
He is intelligent and hardworking.
Он умный и трудолюбивый.
The verb "is" is understood before "hardworking".
We can stay here or go home.
Мы можем остаться здесь или пойти домой.
The modal "can" is understood before "go".
She has lived in London and worked in Paris.
Она жила в Лондоне и работала в Париже.
The auxiliary "has" is understood before "worked".
An entire verb phrase can sometimes be omitted when it can be understood from a previous or contrasting clause.
For example, I can swim and my brother can too omits swim after can.
I can swim and my brother can too.
Я умею плавать, и мой брат тоже.
The verb phrase "swim" is omitted after "can too".
She has finished the report and I think John has too.
Она закончила отчёт, и, думаю, Джон тоже.
The verb phrase "finished the report" is omitted after "has too".
I can help you if you want me to.
Я могу помочь тебе, если хочешь.
The verb phrase "help you" is omitted after "to".
He promised to call and he did.
Он обещал позвонить и сделал это.
The verb phrase "call" is omitted after "did".
She likes reading and so does he.
Она любит читать, и он тоже.
The verb phrase "like reading" is omitted after "does".
They will arrive soon and so will we.
Они скоро прибудут, и мы тоже.
The verb phrase "arrive soon" is omitted after "will".
I have seen the film and she has too.
Я видел фильм, и она тоже.
The verb phrase "seen the film" is omitted after "has too".
He can speak French and I can as well.
Он говорит по-французски, и я тоже.
The verb phrase "speak French" is omitted after "can as well".
An auxiliary can remain while the following lexical verb phrase is omitted because it is understood from context.
For example, She has finished the report and I think John has too.
She has finished the report and I think John has too.
Она закончила отчёт, и, думаю, Джон тоже.
The auxiliary "has" remains while "finished the report" is omitted.
I can swim and my brother can too.
Я умею плавать, и мой брат тоже.
The modal "can" remains while "swim" is omitted.
She will call you and I will too.
Она позвонит тебе, и я тоже.
The auxiliary "will" remains while "call you" is omitted.
They have arrived and we have too.
Они прибыли, и мы тоже.
The auxiliary "have" remains while "arrived" is omitted.
He is working and she is too.
Он работает, и она тоже.
The auxiliary "is" remains while "working" is omitted.
I was sleeping and my sister was too.
Я спал, и моя сестра тоже.
The auxiliary "was" remains while "sleeping" is omitted.
She can dance and he can too.
Она умеет танцевать, и он тоже.
The modal "can" remains while "dance" is omitted.
We have finished and they have too.
Мы закончили, и они тоже.
The auxiliary "have" remains while "finished" is omitted.
A modal can be followed by omitted material when the intended verb phrase is clear from the context.
For example, I can help you if you want me to, where help is omitted after to.
I can help you if you want me to.
Я могу помочь тебе, если хочешь.
The verb phrase "help you" is omitted after "to" (ellipsis with modal).
She can sing and dance.
Она умеет петь и танцевать.
The modal "can" is understood before "dance".
He will call you and send an email.
Он позвонит тебе и отправит письмо.
The modal "will" is understood before "send".
You must finish your work and go home.
Ты должен закончить работу и пойти домой.
The modal "must" is understood before "go".
She could read and write at the age of four.
Она умела читать и писать в четыре года.
The modal "could" is understood before "write".
I can stay or leave.
Я могу остаться или уйти.
The modal "can" is understood before "leave".
They should study harder and practice more.
Им следует учиться усерднее и больше практиковаться.
The modal "should" is understood before "practice".
He might come or stay at home.
Он, возможно, придёт или останется дома.
The modal "might" is understood before "stay".
Do so can substitute for a previously mentioned verb phrase, especially in formal or written English.
For example, He promised to help and he did so immediately.
He promised to help and he did so immediately.
Он обещал помочь и сразу это сделал.
"Did so" substitutes for the verb phrase "help".
She said she would call and she did so.
Она сказала, что позвонит, и сделала это.
"Did so" substitutes for "call".
The company promised to improve and it did so rapidly.
Компания обещала улучшиться, и быстро это сделала.
"Did so" substitutes for "improve".
He was asked to apologize and he did so sincerely.
Его попросили извиниться, и он искренне это сделал.
"Did so" substitutes for "apologize".
They promised to pay and they did so on time.
Они обещали заплатить и сделали это вовремя.
"Did so" substitutes for "pay".
She was told to wait and she did so patiently.
Ей сказали подождать, и она терпеливо это сделала.
"Did so" substitutes for "wait".
He promised to send the documents and he did so yesterday.
Он обещал отправить документы и сделал это вчера.
"Did so" substitutes for "send the documents".
The team agreed to help and they did so willingly.
Команда согласилась помочь и охотно это сделала.
"Did so" substitutes for "help".
Do it and do that can substitute for an action or situation when the context identifies what is meant.
For example, She told him to stop, and he did it immediately is possible when the action has been clearly identified.
She told him to stop, and he did it immediately.
Она сказала ему остановиться, и он сразу это сделал.
"Did it" substitutes for the action "stop".
I asked him to call me, and he did that.
Я попросил его позвонить мне, и он это сделал.
"Did that" substitutes for the action "call me".
She wanted to apologize, and she did it.
Она хотела извиниться, и она это сделала.
"Did it" substitutes for "apologize".
He promised to help, and he did that.
Он обещал помочь, и он это сделал.
"Did that" substitutes for "help".
They told her to leave, and she did it.
Они сказали ей уйти, и она это сделала.
"Did it" substitutes for "leave".
I told him to be careful, and he did that.
Я сказал ему быть осторожным, и он это сделал.
"Did that" substitutes for "be careful".
She asked me to wait, and I did it.
Она попросила меня подождать, и я это сделал.
"Did it" substitutes for "wait".
He told us to sit down, and we did that.
Он сказал нам сесть, и мы это сделали.
"Did that" substitutes for "sit down".
One can substitute for a singular countable noun that has already been mentioned or is understood.
For example, I need a pen. Do you have one?
I need a pen. Do you have one?
Мне нужна ручка. У тебя есть?
"One" substitutes for the singular countable noun "pen".
This chair is uncomfortable. Can I have another one?
Этот стул неудобный. Можно мне другой?
"One" substitutes for "chair".
I like the red car, not the blue one.
Мне нравится красная машина, а не синяя.
"One" substitutes for "car".
She wants a new phone. She is going to buy one tomorrow.
Она хочет новый телефон. Она собирается купить его завтра.
"One" substitutes for "phone".
This is my book. Where is yours? I cannot find mine.
Это моя книга. Где твоя? Я не могу найти свою.
"Mine" is a possessive pronoun, but "one" can substitute in other contexts.
I prefer the large one.
Я предпочитаю большой.
"One" substitutes for a previously mentioned singular noun.
Do you want this apple or that one?
Ты хочешь это яблоко или то?
"One" substitutes for "apple".
She bought a new dress, and I bought one too.
Она купила новое платье, и я тоже купила.
"One" substitutes for "dress".
Ones can substitute for plural countable nouns.
For example, I prefer the red shoes to the black ones.
I prefer the red shoes to the black ones.
Я предпочитаю красные туфли чёрным.
"Ones" substitutes for the plural noun "shoes".
These cookies are delicious. Can I have some more of the chocolate ones?
Это печенье вкусное. Можно ещё шоколадного?
"Ones" substitutes for "cookies".
I like the blue ones better than the green ones.
Мне больше нравятся синие, чем зелёные.
"Ones" substitutes for a plural noun, likely "shoes" or similar.
She bought the expensive ones.
Она купила дорогие.
"Ones" substitutes for a plural noun previously mentioned.
The red apples are sweeter than the green ones.
Красные яблоки слаще зелёных.
"Ones" substitutes for "apples".
I need new glasses. These old ones are broken.
Мне нужны новые очки. Эти старые сломаны.
"Ones" substitutes for "glasses".
Which flowers do you like? The yellow ones.
Какие цветы тебе нравятся? Жёлтые.
"Ones" substitutes for "flowers".
The small ones are cheaper than the large ones.
Маленькие дешевле больших.
"Ones" substitutes for a plural noun, likely "ones" referring to items.
One and ones can be used after adjectives to avoid repeating a countable noun.
For example, I need a larger one and Which shoes do you prefer, the black ones or the brown ones?
I need a larger one.
Мне нужен больший.
"One" is used after the adjective "larger" to avoid repeating a noun.
Which shoes do you prefer, the black ones or the brown ones?
Какие туфли ты предпочитаешь, чёрные или коричневые?
"Ones" is used after adjectives "black" and "brown".
I want the red one, not the blue one.
Я хочу красный, а не синий.
"One" is used after adjectives "red" and "blue".
She prefers the expensive ones.
Она предпочитает дорогие.
"Ones" is used after the adjective "expensive".
This is a difficult one.
Это трудный.
"One" is used after the adjective "difficult".
The small ones are cheaper.
Маленькие дешевле.
"Ones" is used after the adjective "small".
I would like a bigger one.
Я хотел бы больший.
"One" is used after the adjective "bigger".
The green ones are fresher than the yellow ones.
Зелёные свежее жёлтых.
"Ones" is used after adjectives "green" and "yellow".
One is not normally used to replace an uncountable noun or a noun that is functioning only as an abstract concept.
For example, I need some water, not I need a one. Use another expression such as some or more when appropriate.
I need some water.
Мне нужно немного воды.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "water".
I need some water, not a one.
Мне нужна вода, а не одна.
Incorrect use of "one" with uncountable "water".
She gave me some advice.
Она дала мне совет.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "advice".
I need more information.
Мне нужно больше информации.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "information".
He wants some bread.
Он хочет немного хлеба.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "bread".
We need more time.
Нам нужно больше времени.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "time".
She has a lot of experience.
У неё много опыта.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "experience".
I bought some fruit.
Я купил немного фруктов.
"One" cannot substitute for the uncountable noun "fruit".
Some can substitute for an unspecified amount or number of something when the noun is understood from context.
For example, Do you have any coffee? Yes, I have some.
Do you have any coffee? Yes, I have some.
У тебя есть кофе? Да, у меня есть немного.
"Some" substitutes for "some coffee".
I need some milk. Could you buy some?
Мне нужно молоко. Не мог бы ты купить немного?
"Some" substitutes for "some milk".
She wanted some advice, so I gave her some.
Она хотела совет, поэтому я дал ей немного.
"Some" substitutes for "some advice".
Do you need any help? Yes, I need some.
Тебе нужна помощь? Да, мне нужна немного.
"Some" substitutes for "some help".
We have some bread. Would you like some?
У нас есть хлеб. Хочешь немного?
"Some" substitutes for "some bread".
I bought some apples. Do you want some?
Я купил яблоки. Хочешь немного?
"Some" substitutes for "some apples".
There is some water in the bottle. Can I have some?
В бутылке есть вода. Можно мне немного?
"Some" substitutes for "some water".
She made some tea. Would you like some?
Она приготовила чай. Хочешь немного?
"Some" substitutes for "some tea".
Any can substitute for an unspecified amount or number in questions, negatives, and certain conditional contexts.
For example, I do not have any and Do you need any?
I do not have any.
У меня нет.
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified amount or number in a negative context.
Do you need any?
Тебе нужно?
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified amount or number in a question.
I do not want any.
Я не хочу.
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified amount in a negative context.
If you have any, please share.
Если у тебя есть, поделись.
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified amount in a conditional context.
Are there any left?
Остались?
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified number in a question.
I did not see any.
Я не видел.
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified number in a negative context.
She does not have any.
У неё нет.
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified amount in a negative context.
Do you want any?
Ты хочешь?
"Any" substitutes for an unspecified amount in a question.
So can substitute for a previously expressed statement or proposition after certain verbs and expressions.
For example, I think so means I think that the previous proposition is true.
I think so.
Я думаю, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
I hope so.
Надеюсь, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
I suppose so.
Полагаю, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
I believe so.
Верю, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
I am afraid so.
Боюсь, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
I guess so.
Думаю, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
I told you so.
Я же тебе говорил.
"So" substitutes for the earlier warning or prediction.
I expect so.
Ожидаю, что да.
"So" substitutes for a previously expressed proposition.
Not can substitute for a negative clause after certain verbs and expressions.
For example, I hope not means I hope that the previously mentioned proposition is not true.
I hope not.
Надеюсь, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I think not.
Думаю, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I suppose not.
Полагаю, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I believe not.
Верю, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I am afraid not.
Боюсь, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I guess not.
Думаю, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I expect not.
Ожидаю, что нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
Probably not.
Вероятно, нет.
"Not" substitutes for a negative proposition after "probably".
Think so is used to confirm or tentatively support a previously mentioned proposition without repeating the entire clause.
For example, Is John coming? I think so.
Is John coming? I think so.
Джон придёт? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "John is coming".
Will it rain? I think so.
Будет дождь? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "it will rain".
Did she pass? I think so.
Она сдала? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "she passed".
Are they married? I think so.
Они женаты? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "they are married".
Is this the right way? I think so.
Это правильный путь? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "this is the right way".
Will they agree? I think so.
Они согласятся? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "they will agree".
Has he arrived? I think so.
Он прибыл? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "he has arrived".
Can she swim? I think so.
Она умеет плавать? Думаю, да.
"I think so" confirms the proposition "she can swim".
Hope so expresses a positive expectation about a previously mentioned proposition without repeating it.
For example, Will they arrive on time? I hope so.
Will they arrive on time? I hope so.
Они прибудут вовремя? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Is she coming? I hope so.
Она придёт? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Did you pass the exam? I hope so.
Ты сдал экзамен? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Will it be sunny tomorrow? I hope so.
Завтра будет солнечно? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Are they happy? I hope so.
Они счастливы? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Can you come? I hope so.
Ты можешь прийти? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Is the weather good? I hope so.
Погода хорошая? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Will you help me? I hope so.
Ты поможешь мне? Надеюсь, что да.
"I hope so" expresses a positive expectation about the proposition.
Hope not expresses a negative expectation about a previously mentioned proposition.
For example, Is it going to rain? I hope not.
Is it going to rain? I hope not.
Будет дождь? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Will they be late? I hope not.
Они опоздают? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Did she fail? I hope not.
Она провалилась? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Is the food bad? I hope not.
Еда плохая? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Are they angry? I hope not.
Они злятся? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Will it be cold? I hope not.
Будет холодно? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Did you lose it? I hope not.
Ты потерял это? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
Is there a problem? I hope not.
Есть проблема? Надеюсь, что нет.
"I hope not" expresses a negative expectation about the proposition.
So and neither can substitute for a positive or negative proposition when expressing agreement with a previous statement.
For example, I love this song. So do I. I do not like it. Neither do I.
I love this song. So do I.
Я люблю эту песню. Я тоже.
"So do I" agrees with the positive statement.
I do not like it. Neither do I.
Мне это не нравится. Мне тоже.
"Neither do I" agrees with the negative statement.
She can swim. So can I.
Она умеет плавать. Я тоже.
"So can I" agrees with the positive statement.
He cannot swim. Neither can I.
Он не умеет плавать. Я тоже.
"Neither can I" agrees with the negative statement.
They are coming. So are we.
Они придут. Мы тоже.
"So are we" agrees with the positive statement.
I have finished. So have I.
Я закончил. Я тоже.
"So have I" agrees with the positive statement.
She does not like coffee. Neither do I.
Она не любит кофе. Я тоже.
"Neither do I" agrees with the negative statement.
I will help. So will I.
Я помогу. Я тоже.
"So will I" agrees with the positive statement.
Neither and nor can introduce agreement with a negative statement and require the appropriate auxiliary before the subject.
For example, She cannot swim, and neither can I.
She cannot swim, and neither can I.
Она не умеет плавать, и я тоже.
"Neither can I" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
He did not call, and nor did she.
Он не позвонил, и она тоже.
"Nor did she" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
They have not arrived, and neither have we.
Они не прибыли, и мы тоже.
"Neither have we" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
She does not like coffee, and neither do I.
Она не любит кофе, и я тоже.
"Neither do I" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
I cannot help, and nor can he.
Я не могу помочь, и он тоже.
"Nor can he" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
We will not forget, and neither will they.
Мы не забудем, и они тоже.
"Neither will they" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
She has not finished, and nor have I.
Она не закончила, и я тоже.
"Nor have I" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
He is not ready, and neither am I.
Он не готов, и я тоже.
"Neither am I" uses inversion to agree with a negative statement.
Either can appear at the end of a negative clause to express agreement with a previous negative statement.
For example, I do not like the film either.
I do not like the film either.
Мне тоже не нравится этот фильм.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
She cannot swim either.
Она тоже не умеет плавать.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
He did not call either.
Он тоже не позвонил.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
They have not arrived either.
Они тоже не прибыли.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
I will not forget either.
Я тоже не забуду.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
She does not like coffee either.
Она тоже не любит кофе.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
We cannot help either.
Мы тоже не можем помочь.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
He is not ready either.
Он тоже не готов.
"Either" at the end agrees with a negative statement.
Do so explicitly substitutes for an earlier verb phrase, while auxiliary do can sometimes perform the same function more concisely.
For example, He said he would call and he did so is more explicit than He said he would call and he did.
He said he would call and he did so.
Он сказал, что позвонит, и он это сделал.
"Did so" explicitly substitutes for "call".
He said he would call and he did.
Он сказал, что позвонит, и он позвонил.
"Did" substitutes for "call" more concisely.
She promised to help and she did so immediately.
Она обещала помочь и сразу это сделала.
"Did so" explicitly substitutes for "help".
She promised to help and she did.
Она обещала помочь и сделала это.
"Did" substitutes for "help" more concisely.
They agreed to pay and they did so on time.
Они согласились заплатить и сделали это вовремя.
"Did so" explicitly substitutes for "pay".
They agreed to pay and they did.
Они согласились заплатить и заплатили.
"Did" substitutes for "pay" more concisely.
He was told to apologize and he did so sincerely.
Ему сказали извиниться, и он искренне это сделал.
"Did so" explicitly substitutes for "apologize".
He was told to apologize and he did.
Ему сказали извиниться, и он извинился.
"Did" substitutes for "apologize" more concisely.
English can omit or replace repeated material in comparative structures when the intended meaning is clear.
For example, She works harder than I do, where do substitutes for the repeated verb phrase.
She works harder than I do.
Она работает усерднее, чем я.
"Do" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "work hard".
He earns more than she does.
Он зарабатывает больше, чем она.
"Does" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "earn".
They arrived earlier than we did.
Они прибыли раньше, чем мы.
"Did" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "arrive".
She can run faster than I can.
Она может бегать быстрее, чем я.
"Can" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "can run".
He has studied more than she has.
Он учился больше, чем она.
"Has" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "has studied".
We will finish later than they will.
Мы закончим позже, чем они.
"Will" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "will finish".
She sings better than he does.
Она поёт лучше, чем он.
"Does" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "sing".
I work harder than you do.
Я работаю усерднее, чем ты.
"Do" substitutes for the repeated verb phrase "work hard".
Comparative clauses often omit repeated words that are recoverable from the first clause.
For example, John is taller than Mary is and John is taller than Mary are both possible, depending on style and context.
John is taller than Mary is.
Джон выше, чем Мэри.
The comparative clause "than Mary is" retains the verb "is".
John is taller than Mary.
Джон выше Мэри.
The comparative clause "than Mary" omits the verb "is".
She works harder than I do.
Она работает усерднее, чем я.
The comparative clause "than I do" retains the auxiliary "do".
She works harder than I.
Она работает усерднее меня.
The comparative clause "than I" omits the verb "do" in informal style.
He earns more than she does.
Он зарабатывает больше, чем она.
The comparative clause "than she does" retains the auxiliary "does".
He earns more than her.
Он зарабатывает больше неё.
The comparative clause "than her" omits the verb "does" in informal style.
They arrived earlier than we did.
Они прибыли раньше, чем мы.
The comparative clause "than we did" retains the auxiliary "did".
They arrived earlier than us.
Они прибыли раньше нас.
The comparative clause "than us" omits the verb "did".
Repeated constituents can be omitted from coordinated clauses when the remaining structure is clear.
For example, John ordered coffee and Mary tea omits ordered from the second clause.
John ordered coffee and Mary tea.
Джон заказал кофе, а Мэри — чай.
The verb "ordered" is omitted in the second coordinated clause.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
The repeated subject "she" is omitted before "walked".
He can sing and dance.
Он умеет петь и танцевать.
The modal "can" is understood before "dance".
We visited Paris and Rome.
Мы посетили Париж и Рим.
The verb "visited" is understood before "Rome".
She likes reading and writing.
Она любит читать и писать.
The verb "likes" is understood before "writing".
They arrived early and waited outside.
Они прибыли рано и ждали снаружи.
The repeated subject "they" is omitted before "waited".
I can stay or leave.
Я могу остаться или уйти.
The modal "can" is understood before "leave".
She washed the dishes and dried them.
Она помыла посуду и вытерла её.
The repeated subject "she" is omitted before "dried".
Short answers commonly omit information that is already obvious from the question.
For example, Who called? John did. Are they coming? I think so.
Who called? John did.
Кто звонил? Джон.
The short answer "John did" omits the verb phrase "called".
Are they coming? I think so.
Они придут? Думаю, да.
The answer "I think so" omits the clause "they are coming".
Did she pass? Yes, she did.
Она сдала? Да.
The short answer "Yes, she did" omits the verb phrase "pass".
Will you help? Yes, I will.
Ты поможешь? Да.
The short answer "Yes, I will" omits the verb phrase "help".
Can he swim? Yes, he can.
Он умеет плавать? Да.
The short answer "Yes, he can" omits the verb phrase "swim".
Have they arrived? Yes, they have.
Они прибыли? Да.
The short answer "Yes, they have" omits the verb phrase "arrived".
Is she working? No, she isn't.
Она работает? Нет.
The short answer "No, she isn't" omits the verb phrase "working".
Do you like coffee? Yes, I do.
Ты любишь кофе? Да.
The short answer "Yes, I do" omits the verb phrase "like coffee".
Conversational English frequently omits words that can be understood from the immediate context.
For example, Coming with us? can function as an abbreviated question meaning Are you coming with us?
Coming with us?
Идёшь с нами?
The subject and auxiliary are omitted: "Are you coming with us?"
Want some coffee?
Хочешь кофе?
The subject and auxiliary are omitted: "Do you want some coffee?"
Seen this film?
Видел этот фильм?
The auxiliary "Have" is omitted: "Have you seen this film?"
Ready?
Готов?
The subject and verb are omitted: "Are you ready?"
Any problems?
Есть проблемы?
The verb is omitted: "Are there any problems?"
Need help?
Нужна помощь?
The subject and auxiliary are omitted: "Do you need help?"
More tea?
Ещё чаю?
The subject and verb are omitted: "Would you like more tea?"
Why not?
Почему нет?
The subject and verb are omitted: "Why do you not?"
Formal writing also uses ellipsis when omitted material is recoverable and the structure remains clear.
For example, The first experiment was successful; the second, less so.
The first experiment was successful; the second, less so.
Первый эксперимент был успешным; второй — менее.
The verb "was" is omitted after "the second".
Some students studied in the library, and others in the classroom.
Некоторые студенты занимались в библиотеке, а другие — в классе.
The verb "studied" is omitted after "others".
The proposal was rejected, and the alternative accepted.
Предложение было отклонено, а альтернатива принята.
The auxiliary "was" is omitted after "the alternative".
The data were collected carefully, and the results analyzed thoroughly.
Данные были собраны тщательно, а результаты проанализированы подробно.
The auxiliary "were" is omitted before "analyzed".
The theory was proposed in 1905, and the experiment conducted in 1906.
Теория была предложена в 1905 году, а эксперимент проведён в 1906.
The auxiliary "was" is omitted before "conducted".
The first group received treatment, and the second a placebo.
Первая группа получила лечение, а вторая — плацебо.
The verb "received" is omitted before "a placebo".
The results were consistent with the hypothesis, and the conclusions with the data.
Результаты соответствовали гипотезе, а выводы — данным.
The verb "were consistent" is omitted before "with the data".
The first chapter is long, and the second short.
Первая глава длинная, а вторая короткая.
The verb "is" is omitted before "short".
Words should be omitted only when the missing material can be recovered without significant ambiguity.
Overly aggressive ellipsis can make a sentence difficult to interpret or force the reader to reconstruct too much information.
She likes reading and writing.
Она любит читать и писать.
Clear ellipsis: "likes" is understood before "writing".
He promised to help and did so.
Он обещал помочь и сделал это.
Clear ellipsis: "did so" substitutes for "help".
The children played and laughed.
Дети играли и смеялись.
Clear ellipsis: repeated subject omitted.
I can swim and my brother can too.
Я умею плавать, и мой брат тоже.
Clear ellipsis: "swim" omitted after "can too".
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
Clear ellipsis: repeated subject omitted.
John likes coffee and Mary tea.
Джон любит кофе, а Мэри — чай.
Ellipsis may be ambiguous in informal contexts but is clear in formal parallel structures.
The first experiment was successful; the second, less so.
Первый эксперимент был успешным; второй — менее.
Ellipsis is clear because of parallel structure.
I hope not.
Надеюсь, что нет.
Ellipsis is clear because "not" substitutes for the negative proposition.
Ellipsis works best when the omitted structures are parallel to material already expressed.
For example, Some students studied in the library, and others in the classroom omits studied but preserves the parallel structure.
Some students studied in the library, and others in the classroom.
Некоторые студенты занимались в библиотеке, а другие — в классе.
The ellipsis preserves the parallel structure: "studied" is omitted but understood.
She likes reading, writing, and travelling.
Она любит читать, писать и путешествовать.
The parallel gerunds allow clear ellipsis of the verb "likes".
He is intelligent, hardworking, and reliable.
Он умный, трудолюбивый и надёжный.
The parallel adjectives allow clear ellipsis of the verb "is".
We can go by bus, by train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, на поезде или на машине.
The parallel prepositional phrases allow clear ellipsis of "we can go".
She opened the door, walked inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, вошла и села.
The parallel verb phrases allow clear ellipsis of the repeated subject.
The plan is simple, practical, and affordable.
План простой, практичный и доступный по цене.
The parallel adjectives allow clear ellipsis of the verb "is".
He enjoys playing football, watching films, and reading books.
Он любит играть в футбол, смотреть фильмы и читать книги.
The parallel gerund phrases allow clear ellipsis of the verb "enjoys".
She spoke clearly, confidently, and politely.
Она говорила чётко, уверенно и вежливо.
The parallel adverbs allow clear ellipsis of the verb "spoke".
Another can replace a singular countable noun or refer to an additional item of the same type.
For example, This chair is uncomfortable. Can I have another?
This chair is uncomfortable. Can I have another?
Этот стул неудобный. Можно мне другой?
"Another" substitutes for "another chair".
This pen is not working. Do you have another?
Эта ручка не работает. У тебя есть другая?
"Another" substitutes for "another pen".
I do not like this book. Can you recommend another?
Мне не нравится эта книга. Можешь порекомендовать другую?
"Another" substitutes for "another book".
This shirt is too small. I need another.
Эта рубашка слишком маленькая. Мне нужна другая.
"Another" substitutes for "another shirt".
The coffee is cold. Could I have another?
Кофе холодный. Можно мне другой?
"Another" substitutes for "another coffee".
This room is too dark. Is there another?
Эта комната слишком тёмная. Есть другая?
"Another" substitutes for "another room".
I do not like this color. Show me another.
Мне не нравится этот цвет. Покажите мне другой.
"Another" substitutes for "another one" or "another item".
This cake is delicious. Can I have another?
Этот торт вкусный. Можно мне ещё один?
"Another" substitutes for "another cake".
Others and the others can replace plural nouns when the intended group is recoverable from context.
For example, Some students stayed while others left and I spoke to the others later.
Some students stayed while others left.
Некоторые студенты остались, а другие ушли.
"Others" substitutes for "other students".
I spoke to the others later.
Я поговорил с остальными позже.
"The others" substitutes for "the other people".
Some people like tea; others prefer coffee.
Некоторые люди любят чай; другие предпочитают кофе.
"Others" substitutes for "other people".
I have two books. One is here, and the other is at home.
У меня две книги. Одна здесь, а другая дома.
"The other" substitutes for "the other book".
Some of the students passed; others failed.
Некоторые студенты сдали; другие провалились.
"Others" substitutes for "other students".
I will take these books and leave the others.
Я возьму эти книги, а остальные оставлю.
"The others" substitutes for "the other books".
Some cars are fast; others are slow.
Некоторые машины быстрые; другие медленные.
"Others" substitutes for "other cars".
I have three sisters. One lives in London, and the others live in Paris.
У меня три сестры. Одна живёт в Лондоне, а остальные — в Париже.
"The others" substitutes for "the other sisters".
Be can remain while repeated complements or other material are omitted when the meaning remains recoverable.
For example, John is tired, and Mary is too.
John is tired, and Mary is too.
Джон устал, и Мэри тоже.
The verb "is" remains while the complement "tired" is omitted after "too".
She is happy, and he is too.
Она счастлива, и он тоже.
The verb "is" remains while the complement "happy" is omitted after "too".
The room is quiet, and the garden is too.
Комната тихая, и сад тоже.
The verb "is" remains while the complement "quiet" is omitted after "too".
They are ready, and we are too.
Они готовы, и мы тоже.
The verb "are" remains while the complement "ready" is omitted after "too".
I was late, and she was too.
Я опоздал, и она тоже.
The verb "was" remains while the complement "late" is omitted after "too".
This book is interesting, and that one is too.
Эта книга интересная, и та тоже.
The verb "is" remains while the complement "interesting" is omitted after "too".
She is a doctor, and her brother is too.
Она врач, и её брат тоже.
The verb "is" remains while the complement "a doctor" is omitted after "too".
The coffee is hot, and the tea is too.
Кофе горячий, и чай тоже.
The verb "is" remains while the complement "hot" is omitted after "too".
Omit or replace repeated material only when the missing meaning remains clear and the resulting structure is grammatical.
Common mistakes include omitting necessary subjects or verbs, using one with uncountable nouns, confusing so with too, and creating ambiguous ellipsis.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
Correct ellipsis of the repeated subject "she".
I need some water.
Мне нужно немного воды.
Correct: "one" cannot substitute for uncountable "water".
I think so.
Я думаю, что да.
Correct: "so" substitutes for a positive proposition.
I hope not.
Надеюсь, что нет.
Correct: "not" substitutes for a negative proposition.
I love this song. So do I.
Я люблю эту песню. Я тоже.
Correct: "So do I" agrees with a positive statement.
I do not like it. Neither do I.
Мне это не нравится. Мне тоже.
Correct: "Neither do I" agrees with a negative statement.
She can swim, and neither can I.
Она умеет плавать, и я тоже не умею.
Incorrect meaning: "neither" should not follow a positive statement.
I need a pen. Do you have one?
Мне нужна ручка. У тебя есть?
Correct: "one" substitutes for a singular countable noun.