Pro-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 in English?

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:

Example

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:

Example

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.

Example

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.

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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:

Example

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.

Example

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.

Example

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:

Example

"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:

Example

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:


1.

Which sentence correctly demonstrates the use of a pro-sentence?

A

"Do you think he will win?" → "I think so."

B

"Did she bake a cake?" → "She baked one."

C

"Where did they go?" → "They went there."

D

"Who called you?" → "He called me."

2.

Sort the words to form a correct sentence using a pro-verb.

next
report
the
week
will
tomorrow
submit
so
and
again
do
i
.
3.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a pro‑adjective?

A

Her performance was remarkable, and the next performance was remarkable as well.

B

Her performance was remarkable, and the next performance was even more remarkable.

C

Her performance was remarkable, and the next performance was even more so.

D

Her performance was remarkable, and the next performance was such.

4.

Match each sentence with the correct type of pro-form used in it.

1. She moved to a different city, and I might do so too.
2. The first movie was thrilling. The sequel is even more so.
- Are they coming to the party? + I hope not.
Sarah and John always support each other.
Pro-sentence
Pro-adjective
Pronoun
Pro-verb
5.

Fill in the blank in each sentence with an appropriate pro‑form. (There are two extra options.)

He couldn't find his pen, so he borrowed

from his friend.

We studied the new grammar rule yesterday, and I will review

tomorrow.

Sally likes to hike on this trail, and Sarah likes to hike

too.

His debut film was captivating. The sequel is expected to be more

.

You work on the presentation today, and I will

tomorrow.

- "Did you enjoy the lecture?" + "

"

one
such
Yes
it
there
do so
so
then

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