ONE MEMBER AND ELLIPTICAL SENTENCES

Abstract

Annotation: Elliptical sentences are such sentences in which one or several parts
are missing as compared with analogous sentences where there is no ellipsis. Elliptical
sentences may freely be changed into complete sentences, the missing part of the
sentence being supplied from the preceding or following context, by means of
intonation: e.g. I sat near the window, he – near the door (= he sat near the door).
Playing, children? (= are you playing, children?) Cf. A small but cosy room (a one-
member sentence); in the background stands/ is a little writing table (an elliptical two-
member sentence). The main sphere of elliptical sentences is of course dialogue.