1. Omission
　An important aid to economy in writing English is the elliptical clause. In many cases, it is possible to leave out a relative pronoun that normally would join a dependent clause to an independent clause.Sometimes a dependent clause contains neither subject nor verb. It is known as an elliptical clause.
Examples:
　　　　The movie I wanted to see was not playing. (which or that unexpressed)
　　　　When in Barcelona, try to find a quiet hotel room. (When you are in Barcelona)

Another kind of elliptical construction occurs most commonly after the words "than" and "as".
Examples:
　　　　The chairman spoke longer than he. (spoke is not repeated)
　　　　Are you as old as she? (is is omitted)
Write and apply

1. Reduce the number of words in these sentences by making the introductory dependent clauses elliptical. Write out the revised sentences.

Example: While she was cooking dinner, she spilled the sugar.
While cooking dinner, she spilled the sugar.

1.Although he was expecting a telephone call, the doctor had to leave his office.
 
2. While she was driving into town, my mother ran out of gas.
 
3. If you are curious about your final grade, ask your professor.
 
4. When you are applying for a scholarship, you should write neatly.
 
5. After you finish cutting the grass, please water it.
 

2．Choose the correct pronoun to complete each sentence. Then write after each sentence the elliptical clause beginning
with than or as.

Example: Janet is sleepier than (I, me).
Janet is sleepier than I. (than I am)

1. You worked harder than (they, them).

2. Michael is more popular than (he, him).

3. They don't dance well as (we, us).

4. Do you like to drive as fast as (they, them)?

5. I can do the job better than (she, her).

3．Emphasis
　　 Effective sentences emphasize main ideas while subordinating less important points. Emphasis can be achieved through economy of words, proper subordination, effective repetition, use of parallelism, and use of contrast.

Example:
　　　　　1.Wordy sentence: The book about which he spoke is relatively new and deals with the subject of mathematics.
　　　　　Revision: He spoke to us about a new mathematics book. (economy of words)
　　　　　2.Compound sentence: The convicted murderer was denied a retrial, and he was executed on Friday.
Revision: The convicted murderer was executed on Friday after being denied a retrial. (with proper subordination)
　　　　　3.Original sentence: She looked forward to a new year and beginning.
　　　　　Revision: She looked forward to a new year and a new beginning. (effective repetition)
　　　　　4.Nonparallel construction: Visiting relatives, to sightsee, and when we relaxed took up most of our vacation time.
　　　　　Revision: Visiting relatives, sightseeing, and relaxing took up most of our vacation time. (use of parallelism)
　　　　　5.Original sentence: She was tall and strikingly attractive.
　　　　　Revision: She was not only tall but also strikingly attractive. (use of contrast)
3. Rewrite the following sentences so that major ideas receive proper emphasis. Rely upon the suggestion in parentheses.

1. If you will refer back to page 321, you will find on that page that the major character is over six feet tall. (avoid wordiness).

2. The immigrants will gain economic power, and speaking the immigrants’ language will become more important to the businessman. (use subordination)

3. Art was both a hobby and a vital emotional therapy. (use repetition).

4. The young girls enjoy their drives around town and waving to friends. (use parallelism).

5. A knowledge of language is important, and a knowledge of customs is important. (use contrast).