Exercises C2 : Elliptical forms in English (answers)

These exercises build directly on the course content about elliptical forms in English. Practise identifying, completing, and correcting ellipsis to write and speak with the precision and style of a skilled native user.

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Exercice 1 — Restoring the Ellipsis

Each sentence contains an elliptical gap marked ___. Write the complete restored version of the sentence, supplying the omitted words.

1. She wanted to leave early, and so ___ he.
2. I haven't finished the report yet, but Maria ___.
3. He could have warned us, and he should ___.
4. They assumed the contract had been signed, though it ___.

Correction

1. She wanted to leave early, and so did he.
2. I haven't finished the report yet, but Maria has.
3. He could have warned us, and he should have.
4. They assumed the contract had been signed, though it hadn't been.

Exercice 2 — Spotting Faulty Ellipsis

Each sentence contains an incorrect or ambiguous use of ellipsis. Rewrite the sentence correctly, either restoring the missing words or adjusting the elliptical structure.

1. She has visited Paris twice, and he has too visited.
2. Although tired, but he continued walking without stopping.
3. The CEO resigned and the board did so too resign.
4. I would have helped her if asked to have.

Correction

1. She has visited Paris twice, and he has too.
2. Although tired, he continued walking without stopping.
3. The CEO resigned and the board did so too.
4. I would have helped her if asked to.

Exercice 3 — Choosing the Right Elliptical Form

Choose the option that uses ellipsis correctly and naturally, as a skilled native writer would.

1. Which sentence uses ellipsis correctly to avoid repetition?
   A) She can sing beautifully, and he can sing too beautifully.
   B) She can sing beautifully, and he can too.
   C) She can sing beautifully, and he can sing beautifully too.
   D) She can sing beautifully, and he sings beautifully also.
2. Which sentence demonstrates correct gapping in a coordinated structure?
   A) John ordered the fish, and Mary the pasta.
   B) John ordered the fish, and Mary did order the pasta.
   C) John ordered the fish, and Mary ordered pasta the same.
   D) John ordered the fish, and Mary she the pasta.
3. Which reply uses the most natural and grammatically accurate ellipsis?
   A) 'Are you coming?' — 'Yes, I am coming.'
   B) 'Are you coming?' — 'Yes, coming.'
   C) 'Are you coming?' — 'Yes, I am.'
   D) 'Are you coming?' — 'Yes, I do.'
4. Which sentence uses stripping (a form of ellipsis) correctly?
   A) Everyone left, but not Sarah left.
   B) Everyone left, but not Sarah.
   C) Everyone left, but Sarah not left.
   D) Everyone left, but Sarah did not left.

Correction

1. B) She can sing beautifully, and he can too.
2. A) John ordered the fish, and Mary the pasta.
3. C) 'Are you coming?' — 'Yes, I am.'
4. B) Everyone left, but not Sarah.