Ellipsis
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 6:48 pm
There exist corresponding criteria for distinguishing between various forms of ellipsis. Strict ellipsis, for instance, is surely grammatical, but situational ellipsis need not be.
Consider these and tell me if you think each of the following is restricted to vernacular English or appropriate in all contexts, formal or informal. () represents the ellipted words:
a) It sounds the same, only () not spelled the same.
b) I wasn't considering other possibilites, () just deciding between the ones presented.
c) When () walking home, I noticed a group of adults playing on the playground.
d) We sat under cover, () angry and upset when the fireworks ceased
e) Although () angry and tired, I still managed to say my speech in class.
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One of the criteria to distinguish strict ellipsis from other forms is that the missing expression is precisely recoverable. Do you know of any other criteria, and what did you consider to comment on the above sentences?
Consider these and tell me if you think each of the following is restricted to vernacular English or appropriate in all contexts, formal or informal. () represents the ellipted words:
a) It sounds the same, only () not spelled the same.
b) I wasn't considering other possibilites, () just deciding between the ones presented.
c) When () walking home, I noticed a group of adults playing on the playground.
d) We sat under cover, () angry and upset when the fireworks ceased
e) Although () angry and tired, I still managed to say my speech in class.
-------
One of the criteria to distinguish strict ellipsis from other forms is that the missing expression is precisely recoverable. Do you know of any other criteria, and what did you consider to comment on the above sentences?