Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Which form of ellipsis omits specific details that are clear from the context of the conversation?

1. Stripping

2. Sluicing

3. Nominal ellipsis

4. Verb phrase ellipsis

The correct answer is: Nominal ellipsis

Nominal ellipsis refers to the omission of parts of a noun phrase when the meaning can be inferred from the surrounding context. This allows for more concise communication without sacrificing clarity. For instance, in a conversation where one person asks, "Did you like the movie?" and the other responds, "Yeah, the acting was great," the phrase "the acting" serves as an example of nominal ellipsis because the context makes clear that they are still discussing the same movie. In contrast, other forms of ellipsis have specific functions that don't necessarily align with this definition. Stripping typically focuses on eliminating unnecessary parts of speech for brevity but does not center on the clarity of noun phrases. Sluicing involves the omission of everything in a clause except for an interrogative word, like "what" or "who," which shifts focus away from the noun aspect. Verb phrase ellipsis removes the verb phrase while retaining context, but it's not specifically about omitting noun phrases. By understanding nominal ellipsis as a means of maintaining clarity in the communication of noun phrases, one can better appreciate its role in effective dialogue.