ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-133-025 · ATLAS 251

Gapping

The omission of a repeated predicate element in a coordinate clause.

Explanation

The omission of a repeated predicate element in a coordinate clause. Parallel structure carries an invisible verb across the gap.

Example

“Mara drinks tea and Jonas coffee” omits “drinks” in the second part.

Counterexample

An incomplete sentence without a parallel complement is not gapping.

Distinction

Distinguishing from ellipsis: An incomplete sentence without a parallel complement is not gapping.

Effect on thought and perception

A parallel structure carries an invisible verb across the gap.

Resonance

Gapping renders a directed relationship perceptible: parallel structure carries an invisible verb across the gap.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Gapping“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-025. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-025

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-025

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