So Do I — Avoiding Repetition
Ellipsis and substitution — advanced cohesion. The friends discuss next year's plans: Leo is thinking of a business course; so is Priya. Omar plans to go back to Jordan; nobody else does.
📖 Reading: Same but Different
The group had been discussing their plans for the following year.
"I'm thinking of taking a course in business management," said Leo.
"So am I," said Priya, surprising everyone.
"I didn't know that," said Omar.
"I've been considering it for a while. And you?"
"I haven't. I'm thinking of going back to Jordan for a few months."
"Are you?" said Maya. "I didn't know that either."
"Do you think you'll stay there?" asked Leo.
"I'm not sure I will. But I need to go. My family needs me to."
"I understand," said Maya. "I feel the same about Taipei sometimes. Though I don't plan to move back — not yet, anyway."
"Neither do I," said Leo, "about Mexico City. I love it there, but this is home now."
"This is interesting," said Priya. "None of us grew up here. All of us chose to be here. That's quite different from those who were born here."
"Yes, it is," said Omar. "Though I sometimes wonder whether the latter appreciate it more."
"Or less," said Maya thoughtfully. "The things we choose tend to mean more than the ones we inherit."
"Do they?" said Leo, looking at the café around him. "I hope so."
🔑 Vocabulary Box
Eight key words and phrases from this lesson.
| Word | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ellipsis | The omission of words understood from context | n. — Ellipsis avoids unnecessary repetition. |
| substitution | Replacing a word or phrase with a shorter form to avoid repetition | n. — Substitution uses 'do so', 'one', 'so'. |
| the former / the latter | Referring to the first / second of two things just mentioned | phrase — The latter refers to the second item. |
| inherit | To receive something from parents or predecessors | v. — Things we inherit rather than choose. |
| redundant | Unnecessary because it has already been stated | adj. — Omitting redundant words is ellipsis. |
| cohesion | The way a text holds together through linguistic devices | n. — Ellipsis and substitution create cohesion. |
| auxiliary | A helping verb (have, do, be, will, can, etc.) | n. — 'So do I' — the auxiliary replaces the full verb. |
| appreciate | To recognise and be grateful for the value of something | v. — Do those born here appreciate it more? |
📚 Key Verbs & Structures in This Lesson | |
so + auxiliary + subject | So am I. / So does she. / So have they. |
neither + auxiliary + subject | Neither do I. / Neither has he. |
do so (substitution for a verb phrase) | He said he would call, and he did so. |
one/ones (substitution for a noun) | I prefer the small cup. The blue one. |
📚 Grammar Focus
📚 So / Neither + Auxiliary — Agreement | |
Positive agreement | A: I enjoy running. B: So do I. / So does she. |
Negative agreement | A: I'm not tired. B: Neither am I. / Neither is he. |
Pattern | So + same auxiliary + subject (invert!); Neither same. |
Ellipsis — Omitting Redundant Words
📚 Ellipsis — Omitting Redundant Words | |
After auxiliaries | Have you finished? I have. (omit "finished") |
After "to" | She wants to go but I don't want to. (omit "go") |
In coordinated clauses | She left and [she] took everything with her. |
In comparative structures | He runs faster than I [do/run]. |
Substitution
📚 Substitution | |
do so (verb phrase sub.) | He agreed to help, and did so immediately. |
one/ones (noun sub.) | I prefer the flat white. The large one. |
so (clause sub. with think/hope/believe) | A: Will he come? B: I think so. / I hope so. |
not (negative clause sub.) | A: Is she coming? B: I hope not. |
the former / the latter | Of London and Paris, the former is rainier, the latter is warmer. |
🎭 Dialogue: Same Here
Leo and Priya discover they're both thinking about the same business course. Omar gives a quick (and well-substituted) reason why he wouldn't pick that particular one.
I'm thinking of doing a business course next year.
So am I, actually.
Really? I didn't know that.
I've been considering it for a while. Have you decided which one?
Not yet. Have you?
I think so. There's one at the university that looks perfect.
I wouldn't do that one — I looked into it last year.
Did you? Why not?
It was too theoretical. I wanted something more practical. And I found one.
Practice Exercises
3 questionsNew exercises to reinforce what you learned. Different from the lesson material.
What does Leo say he is thinking of doing?
Why does Omar say he might go back to Jordan?
What does Priya notice about the group's relationship to Toronto?
Practice Exercises
3 questionsNew exercises to reinforce what you learned. Different from the lesson material.
Complete: A: 'I've been to Tokyo.' B: '___ have I.'
Complete: A: 'I didn't enjoy the film.' B: '___ did I.'
Complete: A: 'She's been studying all day.' B: '___ has he.'
🎭 Now It's Your Turn — Role Play
Practice with a partner. Use the dialogue as a model and extend it.
- Student A: Make 5 statements about your opinions, habits, or plans.
- Student B: Respond to each using so / neither + auxiliary, or I think so / I hope not, etc.
- Then both students have a 2-minute conversation where they consciously avoid all unnecessary repetition.
- After: identify 3 moments where you used ellipsis or substitution. Was it natural?