LoginPro-forms
In this lesson we learn about pro-forms, which are essential parts of a sentence that substitute for other words, phrases, or clauses. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Pro-forms?
'Pro-forms' are words, phrases that substitute for other words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. They are used to avoid repetition and make a sentence more concise and easier to understand. Remember, these pro-forms do not have a semantic meaning of their own and depend on an antecedent to make sense.
Pro-forms: Types
There are different types of pro-forms in English, including:
Pronouns
Pro-adjectives
Pro-adverbs
Pro-verbs
Pro-sentences
Pronouns
'Pronouns' replace nouns to avoid unnecessary repetition. It is important to know that a pronoun always needs an antecedent to refer back to. Here are a few examples:
Isaac and Ross hit one another on the street.
(You) look at yourself. You look sick.
Marco said he would be here in ten minutes.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns often act as pro-forms to refer to an unknown or unspecified quantity. Look at the examples:
They told me to buy some red apples but I couldn't find any.
Do you like tea? Here! Drink some.
There were two bars of chocolate and neither was my favorite.
Pronominal "One"
Do not confuse the word "one" as used in the examples below with a pronoun. "One" can be used to refer back to a noun to introduce an item of similar kind. Unlike pronouns, however, "one" can follow a determiner and can inflect for number. So, it is actually a noun, not a pronoun.
I already can a car so I don't need another one.
These books are about biology but the ones over there are about history.
Pro-adjectives
Pro-adjectives replace an adjective or adjective phrase so that it does not have to be repeated. Common pro-adjective forms are "so", and "such". Here are some examples:
His first movie was really exciting. This one is even more so.
I need a red dress. Do you have such a dress?
Pro-adverbs
Pro-adverbs substitute for adverbs to reduce redundancy while maintaining the information content of the adverb about place, time, manner, etc. Common pro-adverbs in English include "here" and "there" for place, "now" and "then" for time and "this way" for manner. Look at the examples.
They arrived yesterday afternoon, and we arrived then too.
a pro-adverb of time
He lives in Paris, and she lives there as well.
She paints with bold strokes. He paints this way too.
Pro-verbs
As the name suggests, pro-verbs replace a verb phrase. In English, the supporting auxiliary verb "do" and the phrase "do so" can be used as pro-verb phrases.
You must submit the report, and I will do so tomorrow.
She gave up smoking, and he did too.
Pro-sentence
Pro-sentences replace a complete sentence or a clause, typically in response to a question (with "yes" and "no") or when showing agreement and disagreement (with "so" and "not"). Look at the examples:
"Did you finish?" → "No."
(No = "I did not finish.")
"Will she come?" → "I think so."
(So = "she will come.")
"Is it dangerous?" → "I hope not."
(Not = "it is not dangerous.")
Demonstratives
'Demonstratives' can be used as pro-forms to refer to a clause or sentence. Here are some examples:
Ernest says mean things to others. That I cannot stand anymore.
You are too kind and this is what makes you different.
Review
Pro-forms are used alternatively for other words, phrases, or clauses. Remember, pro-forms cannot be used alone when there is no antecedent to clarify what they refer to. Check out the list below to get to know different types of pro-forms.
pronouns
pro-adjectives
pro-adverbs
pro-verbs
pro-sentences
Quiz:
Which sentence uses a pro-verb?
If you need help, ask someone who can.
They completed the project, and we did as well.
This cake is delicious, and those are too.
He speaks French, and she speaks similarly.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match the pro-form in each sentence to its correct type.
Fill in the blank with a pro‑form that best fits the structure of the sentence. (There are two extra options.)
Samantha misplaced her phone, but
was later found in her purse.
The current smartphone is innovative, and the upcoming model is expected to be even more
.
John works in London, and his sister works
too.
I plan to volunteer at the festival, and my friends
too.
Which of the following sentences contains a pro-adverb?
She arrived early, and he did too.
I needed a bigger bag, so I bought one.
He prefers strong coffee, and she does so as well.
Julia went to the coffee shop, and her friends went there too.
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