ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION

Written By : Chairunnisa Nur Zahra

What is an Elliptical Construction?

An elliptical construction is a compound sentence where two or more subjects share the same predicate.

Function :

This structure is typically used to avoid word repetition and to simplify sentences.

Types of Elliptical Construction:

1. Elliptical Construction Positive.

   This type combines two affirmative sentences that have the same predicate (verb), object and complement. Positive Elliptical construction is characterized by the use of too and so in sentences.

   
   

   Formula:

   … (+) ..., and + subject + auxiliary + too

   … (+) …, and + so + auxiliary + subject

   
   

   
   

   Examples:

   - Chira studies English everyday.

   Bara studies English everyday.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   Chira studies English everyday, and Bara does too.

   Chira studies English everyday, and so does Bara.

   - He bought a book yesterday

   I bought a book yesterday.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   He bought a book yesterday, and I did too.

   He bought a book yesterday, and so did i.

   
   

   - Aan can do it.

   Sasa can do it.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   Aan can do it, and Sasa can too.

   Aan can do it, and so can Sasa.

   
   

   
   

2. Elliptical Construction Negative.

   This type combines two negative sentences that have the same predicate (verb), object and complement. Negative elliptical construction is characterized by the use of either and neither in the sentence.

   
   

   Formula:

   … (+) …, and + subject + auxiliary + not + either

   … (+) …, and + neither + auxiliary + subject

   
   

   
   

   Examples :

   - He is not reading the newspaper.

   I am not reading the newspaper.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   He is not reading the newspaper, and I am not either.

   He is not reading the newspaper, and neither am i.

   
   

   
   

   - Xavi has not written a letter.

   Vier has not written a letter.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   Xavi has not written a letter, and Vier has not either.

   Xavi has not written a letter, and neither has Vier.

   
   

   
   

   - I will not go to Shera’s party.

   They will not go to Shera’s party.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   I will not go to Shera’s party, and they will not either.

   I will not go to Shera’s party, and neither will they

   
   

   .

3. Elliptical Construction Contrary

   This type combines two unequal sentences, where one sentence is affirmative and the other is negative. Contrary elliptical construction is characterized by the use of but in the sentence.

   
   

   Formula:

   … (+) …, but + subject + auxiliary + not

   … (+) …, but + subject + auxiliary

   
   

   
   

   Examples :

   - Upin drinks juice.

   Ipin does not drink juice.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   Upin drinks juice, but Ipin does not.

    

   
   

   - You have not got the email.

   I have got the email.

   ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION :

   You have not got the email, but I have.

   
   

   
   

   SOURCES :

   
   

   Pauzan, The Book of Complete English Grammar (Tata Bahasa Inggris Lengkap), Jakarta: PT Chipta Gadhing Artha, 2021.

    

   Yureka Education Center. https://www.yec.co.id/inggris/pengertian-fungsi-tipe-pola-contoh-kalimat-dan-latihan-soal-elliptical-construction/

    

   EF Education First 2021. https://www.ef.co.id/englishfirst/adults/blog/akademik-english-dan-persiapan-tes-inggris/mengenal-pengertian-elliptical-sentence-dalam-bahasa-inggris/