For questions about leaving out words or punctuation marks and how such omissions affect the meaning of clauses or sentences.
Questions tagged [omissibility]
99 questions
9
votes
2 answers
If it isn't [someone's name]!
"If it isn't [a name]!" can be used to show surprise when you bump into someone, but it is not a complete sentence. What is omitted (and understood) here?
I'd appreciate your help.
Apollyon
- 1,879
6
votes
2 answers
Omitting "is" in sentences (when occurring after "that", "this", and "it")
I recently added some friends to Facebook that live in a small town in Texas. The reason I point this out is that I believe it might be a regional thing.
Many people in that area omit the word "is" in sentences. Here is an example:
They sent an…
Michael Earls
- 163
5
votes
2 answers
Is dropping the verb "was" an option?
Given the following examples:
Yesterday, you mentioned thinking it was a good idea to go sailing.
Last week, you thought it was appropriate to dress like a pirate.
Can was be inferred and therefore omitted for the sake being succinct without…
Shawn
- 153
2
votes
2 answers
"And I you" with "you" as an indirect object
If someone says, "I want to sit with you," is the response, "And I you," acceptable? I believe a better choice would be, "And I with you," but is "with" strictly necessary or does it just add clarity?
An existing question covers the correctness of…
Tashus
- 196
1
vote
0 answers
the omission of so of so-that
In monarchical countries, the estates and the
greatest portion of the wealth are left to the first son, that the
vanity of the parent may be gratified by the thought that his name and
title are to descend to succeeding…
anotherworld
- 69
1
vote
1 answer
Omitting the word "one"
Do these sentences mean the same? Is one preferable to the other?
I think Ben is a robot. If he is, we should not talk to him anymore.
I think Ben is a robot. If he is one, we should not talk to him anymore.
Wuvex
- 377
- 3
- 12
- 20
1
vote
3 answers
Has 'there' been omitted?
I want to explain my problem by the following sentence.
Among those scientists recently exploring 'terra cognita' were psychologists from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
In that sentence, what is the subject of the auxiliary verb…
Nazmul Hassan
- 508
0
votes
1 answer
omitting auxiliaries and articles in logs
Is it a widespread practice in logbooks and in written accounts of events in general to omit articles and auxiliaries? E.g.:
"Message received. Information read. Crew instructed. Complaints discussed. Changes approved."
Is the omission applicable…
Robb
- 35
0
votes
1 answer
Annotating a quote to remove text?
In writing up an answer, I wrote:
Furthermore we are cautioned that using shame punishment from a "retributive standpoint because the public can see punishment at work, it is nonproductive."
Now, I know I'm missing a comma after "furthermore", but…
Sylas Seabrook
- 239
0
votes
1 answer
Omitting "While + subject + verb to be"?
" I hurt my knee playing soccer "
Is this sentence right? If yes, how come?
Mazen Draou
- 141