Crossword puzzle : Elliptical forms in English

Elliptical forms are a hallmark of sophisticated English, allowing speakers to omit words that are grammatically recoverable from context. From reduced relative clauses to gapped constructions and stranded auxiliaries, these structures demand both precision and intuition. Test your mastery of these advanced omissions and see how well you can identify what’s been left unsaid.

Horizontalement

1. 1. Was not in short form
2. 2. Used sarcastically when upset
3. 4. Logical connection maintained despite omissions
4. 8. Simple and easy to understand
5. 9. Process of making a form shorter
6. 10. Belonging to them
7. 11. Expression natural to native speakers
8. 12. Shortened form of a word or phrase
9. 16. Removing all but one element in clause
10. 17. Answer that omits repeated information

Verticalement

1. 1. from which place or source
2. 3. Verb form indicating time of action
3. 5. Dropping sounds at word boundaries
4. 6. Shortened form combining two words
5. 7. Incomplete sentence missing a main clause
6. 8. Part of sentence often omitted in ellipsis
7. 13. Of short duration
8. 14. Containing nothing, opposite of full
9. 15. Not clean, opposite of pure