Page 302 - Oxford_English_Grammar_Course_Basic_2015

SECTION 22 spoken gram m ar

grammar summary

We often leave words out if the meaning is clear. This is particularly common in spoken English.
It often happens after auxiliary verbs.

She said she w ould phone, but she didn't. (='... she didn't phone.')
I'll finish the work as soon as I can. {= '... as soon as I can finish the work.')
There are several common kinds of short spoken sentence made with subject + auxiliary verb:
• question tags: You're from Scotland, a re n 't you?
• short answers: 'D idyou see Patrick?' No, I didn't.'
• reply questions: 'I've g o t a headache.' 'Have you? I am sorry.'
• so do I, n o r can I etc: 7 was really cold on th a t bus.' So was I.'
We also often leave out infinitives (and other words) after to.
I've never seen the Taj M ahal, but I'd like to. (='... I'd like to see the Taj Mahal.')

And we may leave out small words (pronouns, articles, auxiliary verbs) at the beginning of sentences.
Don't know. (= 'I don't know.') Train's late. (= 'The train's late.')
Been w aiting long? (='Have you been waiting long?')

'Forgotten your key again, George?' 'It's all coming back to me now.
We were married once, weren't we?'

'Seen John?' ‘Cold, isn’t it?’ ‘Need any help?’

‘N or do I.’ ‘Don’t think so.’ ‘No, we haven’t.’

‘Cant understand a word! ‘D o t h e y ? ’

SPOKEN GRAMMAR 287