Omitting the verb
We can often omit a verb to avoid repeating it:
He acts on television and she (acts) on stage.
We do not generally leave out the auxiliary or modal.
|
FORM |
CHANGE |
EXAMPLE |
|
present/past simple verb |
Omit main verb in and clauses |
She clearly liked the students, and they (liked) her. |
|
Auxiliary + main verb |
Omit main verb |
Over 40 percent of those on benefits are looking for a job, or claim they are(looking for one) |
|
Modal + main verb |
Omit main verb |
Students working on doctorates may apply for funding from our organization. Other researchers may (apply for funding) as well; we will consider all applications. |
|
Compound verb forms |
Omit second/third auxiliary or only the main verb |
The problem was one that had been observed in other vessels and the crew should have been told about it, or at least the captain should (have been told)/should have(been told)/should have been (told) |
In coordinated clauses, where the second clause is very similar in pattern to the first, we can omit the auxiliary as well as the main verb:
Since the divorce I´ve lived in Dublin and my husband (has lived) in London.
It is possible to leave out both auxiliary and modal verbs in comparison clauses:
House prices have dropped much less than share prices (have done)/than share prices have (done)
(Adapted from My Grammar Lab)
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