Answer: Elliptical Adverb Clauses
rykaine asked, "What is an elliptical adverb clause?"
With examples from NCIS.
A clause is a bit of sensical English that has both a subject and a tensed verb. An adverb clause is a kind of dependent clause (meaning it can't stand alone) that give information about reasons, contrast, condition, time, place, comparison, cause or effect in relation to the rest of the sentence. For example:
Although McGee had done all the work, DiNozzo got all the credit. (contrast)
Gibbs would make their lives miserable unless they came up with an answer soon. (condition)
Another way to identify an adverb clause is by what it modifies. Whereas adjective clauses (or relative clauses) modify nouns and noun clauses take the place of simple nouns, adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs, infinitives, gerunds, participles, or even whole sentences, usually by describing manner in some way. In other words, they function essentially as adverbs-hence the name.
Ellipsis is what grammarians call it when certain words are left out or understood. An elliptical adverb clause lacks subject, verb, or both.
Non-elliptical: Ziva was as skilled in torture techniques as any man would be. (comparison)
Elliptical: Ziva was as skilled in torture techniques as any man. (missing verb)
Non-elliptical: "Are you expecting my help?" asked Gibbs. "If you are, you're wasting your time." (condition)
Elliptical: "Are you expecting my help?" asked Gibbs. "If so, you're wasting your time." (subject and verb replaced by "so")
Elliptical clauses can be difficult to spot because those that lack verbs or subjects may look like phrases. However, as in the example above, it is usually apparent that the critical piece of information is either omitted or replaced.
With examples from NCIS.
A clause is a bit of sensical English that has both a subject and a tensed verb. An adverb clause is a kind of dependent clause (meaning it can't stand alone) that give information about reasons, contrast, condition, time, place, comparison, cause or effect in relation to the rest of the sentence. For example:
Although McGee had done all the work, DiNozzo got all the credit. (contrast)
Gibbs would make their lives miserable unless they came up with an answer soon. (condition)
Another way to identify an adverb clause is by what it modifies. Whereas adjective clauses (or relative clauses) modify nouns and noun clauses take the place of simple nouns, adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs, infinitives, gerunds, participles, or even whole sentences, usually by describing manner in some way. In other words, they function essentially as adverbs-hence the name.
Ellipsis is what grammarians call it when certain words are left out or understood. An elliptical adverb clause lacks subject, verb, or both.
Non-elliptical: Ziva was as skilled in torture techniques as any man would be. (comparison)
Elliptical: Ziva was as skilled in torture techniques as any man. (missing verb)
Non-elliptical: "Are you expecting my help?" asked Gibbs. "If you are, you're wasting your time." (condition)
Elliptical: "Are you expecting my help?" asked Gibbs. "If so, you're wasting your time." (subject and verb replaced by "so")
Elliptical clauses can be difficult to spot because those that lack verbs or subjects may look like phrases. However, as in the example above, it is usually apparent that the critical piece of information is either omitted or replaced.