The feature describing the omission of elements in speech or writing is called what?

• A. Ellipsis
• B. Linker
• C. False start
• D. Discourse marker

Answer: (A)

Ellipsis is the omission of elements that are recoverable from context. In speech and writing, we drop words when their meaning is clear from what has already been said, which keeps communication smooth and avoids repetition. For example, in response to a question like “Do you want coffee or tea?” you might simply say “Coffee, please,” leaving out the rest of the clause because it’s understood. Another clear case is when a sentence like “She can play the piano, and he can, too” omits the repeated verb phrase “play the piano” after “can” because it’s understood from the first clause. The other terms describe different features—linkers connect ideas; false starts are initial, abandoned attempts at beginning a sentence; discourse markers guide the flow or stance of talk—but they don’t refer to omitting material in the way ellipsis does.