ELLIPSIS

One of the reasons the English language is so economical is the use of ellipsis. This technique is used only in coordination and is a very versatile tool for fine-tuning the language.

Ellipsis in English has a broad spectrum of possibilities, including ellipsis of the subject, auxiliaries, verbs, subject complements, direct objects, whole predicates (verb and complement), and even adverbials.

The main point to remember about ellipsis is that it can only be used for elements that are repeated in all coordinated clauses of a sentence.

e.g. THE FACTORY WORKERS, THE ADMINISTRATION STAFF AND ALL MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT FILED A SUIT AGAINST THE COMPANY FOR DEFAULTING ON SALARIES.
- “filed a suit against the company for defaulting on salaries” is in ellipsis in the first and second clauses.

Without ellipsis, the sentence becomes long-winded and excessively repetitive.

THE FACTORY WORKERS FILED A SUIT AGAINST THE COMPANY FOR DEFAULTING ON SALARIES, THE ADMINISTRATION STAFF FILED A SUIT AGAINST THE COMPANY FOR DEFAULTING ON SALARIES, AND ALL MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT FILED A SUIT AGAINST THE COMPANY FOR DEFAULTING ON SALARIES.

e.g. ITALIAN FOOD IS RICH, BUT NOT SO SPICY.
- “Italian food is” is in ellipsis in the second clause.
- Italian food is rich, but "Italian food" is not so spicy.

CONFUSION: If there is a possibility that ellipsis may cause confusion, it is not possible.

e.g. HE SENT INVITATIONS TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES, BUT DIDN’T R.S.V.P.

HE SENT INVITATIONS TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES, BUT "THEY" DIDN’T R.S.V.P.

Ellipsis in the first example above caused confusion regarding who didn’t reply ("he" or "those receiving the invitations").