Cohesion (linguistics) - Ellipsis

Ellipsis

Ellipsis is another cohesive device. It happens when, after a more specific mention, words are omitted when the phrase needs to be repeated.

A simple conversational example:

  • (A) Where are you going?
  • (B) To town.

The full form of B's reply would be: "I am going to town".

A simple written example: The younger child was very outgoing, the older much more reserved.

The omitted words from the second clause are "child" and "was".

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