I hope so, so do I: ellipsis and substitution
Avoid repetition with so, not, neither, one / ones, do and auxiliaries
What you'll be able to do
Avoid repeating words, so you sound natural in conversation and concise in writing.
The idea
English avoids repetition. It substitutes a short word (so, not, do, one) or leaves words out after an auxiliary (ellipsis).
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| so / not for a whole clause | Is it going to rain? I think so. / I hope not. |
| so / neither + auxiliary + subject | I'm tired. So am I. / I can't swim. Neither can I. |
| do so / did | She promised to call, and she did. |
| one / ones for a noun | I don't like this shirt; I prefer the blue one. |
| ellipsis after an auxiliary | I haven't finished, but Ana has. |
- I'd love to come, but I can't.can't (come): ellipsis
- Is the shop open on Sunday? I don't think so.so replaces the clause
- He doesn't eat meat, and neither does his wife.neither + auxiliary + subject
- These shoes are too small; I need bigger ones.ones replaces shoes
I don't think so is the everyday form; I think not is formal. With hope and be afraid, use not: I hope not, I'm afraid not.
Common mistakes
I hope no.→ I hope not.So I am.→ So am I.Neither I can.→ Neither can I.I like the red.(a shirt) → I like the red one.
Practice
- 'I love this song.' '_____.'Options: So do I · So I do · So am I
Show the answer
So do I — So + auxiliary + subject; love → do.
- 'I haven't seen the film.' '_____.'Options: Neither have I · Neither I have · So have I
Show the answer
Neither have I — Neither + auxiliary + subject.
- 'Is it going to rain tomorrow?' 'I hope _____.'Options: not · no · don't
Show the answer
not — I hope not replaces a negative clause.
- 'Do you think she'll win?' 'I think _____.'
Show the answer
so — So replaces the clause: I think (she'll win).
- I don't like these glasses. I prefer the black _____.
Show the answer
ones — Ones replaces a plural noun.
In the app, this lesson is taught one idea at a time with the examples read aloud, then practised with questions you answer by choosing or typing. It comes back for review on later days, until you can use it without help.