In the grammar of a sentence, an elliptical clause (a form of elliptical construction) is a clause in which some words have been omitted. Because of the logic or pattern of the entire sentence, it is easy to infer what the missing words are. Some examples of elliptical clauses are as follows:
- Example: Jessica had five dollars; Monica, three. (The verb "had" was omitted at the comma).
- Example: What if I miss the deadline? (The verb phrase "will happen" was omitted, as in "What will happen if I miss the deadline").
Elliptical clauses can often be used in dialog to shorten what is being said.
See also
- Ellipsis - about the format of omitting details.
External links
- Elliptical clause at English Plus
- Phrases and clauses at Tameri Guide for Writers
