Mastering Omitted Elements and Question Tags in English Grammar

Mastering Omitted Elements in Sentences

In English grammar, certain elements of a sentence can be omitted when they can be inferred from the context. This often occurs in sentences where the subject and operator (if present) are left out but are echoed in the question tag. Let’s explore this concept in detail with examples and explanations.

Omitted Subject and Operator

In some sentences, the subject and operator (when present) are omitted from the preceding clause. However, they can still be understood through their reflection in the question tag. This omission is common in both reverse polarity and constant polarity structures.

1. Reverse Polarity

In reverse polarity, the question tag has the opposite polarity of the main clause. The omitted subject and operator are inferred from the context.

✧ Thought it was worth it, didn’t he?

Explanation: Here, the subject (he) and operator (did) are omitted from the main clause but are echoed in the question tag (didn’t he). The negative tag (didn’t) contrasts with the positive implication of the main clause.

2. Constant Polarity

In constant polarity, the question tag maintains the same polarity as the main clause. This structure is often used to seek confirmation or clarification.

✧ I hope I get the right number. Number 35, is it?

Explanation: In this example, the subject (it) and operator (is) are omitted from the second clause but are reflected in the question tag (is it). The tag maintains the same positive polarity as the implied statement.

Key Takeaways

• Omitted elements like the subject and operator are often inferred from the question tag.
• Reverse polarity involves a question tag with the opposite polarity of the main clause.
• Constant polarity involves a question tag that matches the polarity of the main clause, often used for confirmation.

Why This Matters

Understanding omitted elements and their relationship with question tags helps in constructing concise and contextually clear sentences. It also enhances comprehension when reading or listening to English, as you can infer missing information from the structure of the sentence.