Abstract and concrete nouns 194 Substitution

Substitution

As well as ellipsis (leaving words out), repetition can be avoided by replacing some phrases with shorter ones. This is called substitution.

See also: Countable and uncountable nouns 70 The past simple 7

SUBSTITUTING WITH “ONE / ONES” AND “SOME”

“One” and “ones” can be used to replace singular and plural countable nouns. “Ones” can only be used to refer to a specific group of things. “Some” is used when the group is not defined, and to replace uncountable nouns.

SINGLE COUNTABLE NOUNS PLURAL COUNTABLE NOUNS

“One” replaces “a copy of the book.”

“Ones” can only be used if modified to define the specific things that are meant.

“A few” can be used instead of “some.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES

Verbs and their complements can also be used with substitute words to avoid repetition. “Do” and “did” are often used to replace present and past simple tense verbs, for example.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Do” prevents repetition of ‘call a plumber” Different forms of “do” replace “think.”

SUBSTITUTING WITH “SO” AND “NOT”

In positive clauses after verbs of thinking, “so” can be used to avoid repetition. “Not” or “not… so” are used in negative sentences.

FURTHER EXAMPLES SUBSTITUTING NEGATIVES WITH “NOT… SO” AND “NOT”

“Not” or “not… so” are used with “appear,” “seem,” and “suppose.” “Not… so” is used with “think,” “believe,” “expect,” and “imagine.”

“Not” is used with with “hope,” “assume,” and “be afraid” (when “afraid” means “sorry”).