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elliptical clause

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  Ed Good  —  Grammar Tips
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A useful power structure is the elliptical clause, also called a truncated clause. The structure consists of a subordinating conjunction (if, though, although, when, while, and many others) and one of six structures: (1) present participle, (2) past participle, (3) true adjective, (4) prepositional phrase, (5) infinitive phrase, and (6) true noun. Examples of each follow:

The party-goers drank while dancing. 1. present participle dancing

Though tired, the runner finished the race. 2. past participle tired

When complete, the brief must be filed with the clerk. 3. true adjective complete

Although near the subway, the company urged its workers to drive to work. 4. prepositional phrase near the subway

He seemed unsteady as if about to fall. 5. infinitive to fall

Though a fair man, the Senator required his staff to work after hours. 6. true noun man

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