Developing cohesion
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Ellipsis | page 6 of 11 |
Ellipsis and to-infinitive clauses
There are two possibilities for ellipsis with to-infinitive clauses. Either the whole clause is ellipsed, or the whole clause except for the introductory particle to. Both types of ellipsis are common after verbs representing desire, such as want and prefer.
Ellipsis of whole clause
Make sure you have time to think it over and do talk to relatives if you want [^]. (Bank of English)
And this wealth of accessible knowledge is all yours, for you and your family to call on whenever you wish [^]. (Bank of English)
There is time on each island to join in the group excursions or go off on your own, if you prefer [^]. (Bank of English)
Ellipsis of the whole clause also occurs after the adjective willing:
The deserting soldiers will be taken as prisoners of war to camps in Saudi Arabia and then eventually repatriated to Iraq if they are willing [^].
(Bank of English)
Ellipsis of whole clause except to
"But you can call me sometimes, if you want to [^]," she said, and she gave him her telephone number. (Bank of English)
You can still take along your own drinks if you'd prefer to [^].
(Bank of English)
A: Have you smoked since that incident when you were five? B: No. A: Would you like to [^]? B: No. It stinks. (Bank of English)
Ellipsis of the whole clause except to is also found after some verbs of saying and thinking:
"I'd never hurt her," he said finally.
"You'd do just about anything for her."
He nodded.
"Would you lie?"
"Probably. If she asked me to [^]." (Bank of English)
This doesn't mean that your child will come top of the class in mathematics just because you expect him to [^] - it's not that easy. (Bank of English)
For further information about verbs of desiring and thinking, see 
Representing
thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Overview.
Introduction
Ellipsis and to-infinitive clauses
