How Does Ellipsis Work in Comparative Clauses? (C2 Exercises)

Comparative clauses regularly omit a verb, or an entire predicate, that would otherwise repeat the main clause, as in she can run faster than I can. When the subject changes between clauses, an auxiliary like do is typically retained rather than fully dropped, as in she works harder than her colleagues do.

Grammar Rule

Comparative clauses regularly omit a verb, or an entire predicate, that would otherwise repeat the main clause. This ellipsis is optional but overwhelmingly preferred in natural English. When the subject changes between clauses, an auxiliary like do is typically retained rather than fully dropped.

Ellipsis in Comparative Clauses: Rules and Examples

Pattern	Rule	Example
Same subject, drop repeated verb	keep only the auxiliary	She can run faster than I can.
Different subject	keep a substitute auxiliary (do/does)	She works harder than her colleagues do.

Remember: Comparative clauses drop repeated verb phrases after than, often keeping only an auxiliary like do or can rather than the full verb.

Practice Test

Instructions

Answer each question in the test below using ellipsis in comparative clauses correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.

Advanced Ellipsis and Substitution Exercises (CEFR C2)

## Advanced Ellipsis and Substitution: Rules and Examples Learn how English omits (ellipsis) or replaces (substitution) repeated words in formal writing to avoid redundancy while keeping meaning clear. ### Grammar Rule Ellipsis omits words already understood from context, especially after auxiliaries and conjunctions: «She can speak French, and he can [speak French] too» becomes «She can speak French, and he can too.» Substitution replaces a repeated phrase with a pro-form like «one,» «so,» or «do»: «I need a pen. Do you have one?» (one = a pen). «Did she pass the exam? I believe so» (so = she passed). Ellipsis and substitution differ: ellipsis removes words entirely, substitution replaces them with a placeholder. A common error is leaving redundant words that should be elided: not «She can speak French, and he can speak French too», the elided version is far more natural in formal writing. Never use «it» to substitute a countable indefinite noun already mentioned — use «one»: not «I need a pen; do you have it?» (unless referring to a specific pen already mentioned), correct is «do you have one?» Examples: She can speak French, and he can too. I need a pen. Do you have one? Did she pass the exam? I believe so. He wanted to leave early, and so did she. They said the plan would work, and it did. Remember: ellipsis omits repeated words entirely; substitution (one/so/do) replaces them with a placeholder — both avoid redundancy in formal writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do comparative clauses often omit?

A verb or entire predicate that would otherwise repeat the main clause, as in she can run faster than I can.

What happens when the subject changes between clauses?

An auxiliary like do is typically retained, as in she works harder than her colleagues do.

Is this ellipsis optional?

Yes, but it is overwhelmingly preferred in natural English.

What is usually kept after than when the subject stays the same?

Only the auxiliary, as in than I can.