Pro-sentences 

In this lesson we learn about pro-sentences, which are essential parts of a sentence that substitute for other sentences or clauses. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.

Pro-sentences in the English Grammar

What Are Pro-sentences?

Pro-sentences are short words or expressions that refer back to a whole sentence. The content of a pro-sentence can be understood from the preceding context. As a type of pro-form, pro-sentences are anaphoric, which means they rely on an antecedent to make sense. Pro-sentences help us communicate quicker without loss of meaning.

Common Pro-senteces in English

Here is a list of the most common pro-sentences in English:

1.

Yes and No

3.

Discourse Markers

4.

So

5.

Not

6.

This and That

"Yes" and "No" as Pro-sentences

The most basic forms of pro-sentence in English are the words, 'yes' and 'no' which express affirmation and denial of a sentence, respectively.
For example, 'yes/no questions' only require a 'yes' or a 'no' as the answer. However, the single word represents a larger sentence.

A:

Are you single?

B:

Yes. (I am single.)

A:

Did he star in the movie 'The Last Summer'?

B:

No. (He didn't star in the movie 'The Last Summer.')

Adverbs as Pro-sentences

Certain adverbs can act as pro-sentences to answer questions. They are considered pro-sentences because they replace a whole sentence an eliminate the need to repeat it. The following types of adverbs can be used as pro-sentences:

Adverbs of Probability

Adverbs of Degree

A:

Can you lend me your pen?

B:

Absolutely. (I can lend you my pen.)

A:

Do you think he's a nice guy?

B:

Definitely. (I think he is a nice guy.)

A:

She is an intelligent girl, isn't she?

B:

Oh, very.

A:

Is it OK if I try these on?

B:

Sure.

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Discourse Markers as Pro-sentences

Some discourse markers can act as a pro-sentence. Three of the most common ones are:

Yeah

Right

Okay

Now, take a look at some examples:

A:

Well, you need a job.

B:

Right.

A:

Do you want to go to the zoo?

B:

Okay.

"So" as a Pro-sentence

With some verbs, especially in short answers, we can use 'so' instead of repeating the whole sentence. For example:

A:

Will Sam be at the party tonight?

B:

I think so. (I think Sam will be at the party tonight.)

C:

There is going to be a surprise party tonight.

D:

Really?

C:

They told me so when I talked to them today. (They told me (that) there is going to be a surprise party tonight.)

Sometimes we use 'so' at the beginning of the sentence, especially in short responses with reporting verbs such as 'believe', 'say', 'tell', 'hear', and 'read':

A:

Alex got married!

B:

So I heard. (I heard that Alex got married.)

A:

Country singer Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

B:

So I read in the paper. (I read that country singer Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer.)

"So" with Verbs of Expectation and Belief

We can use 'so' after verbs such as 'assume', 'believe', 'expect', 'guess', 'hope', 'imagine', 'presume', 'suppose', and 'think' instead of repeating the whole sentence, especially in short answers. For example:

A:

Has she accepted the proposal?

B:

I think so.

A:

Are you working on the weekend?

B:

I suppose so.

A:

Do you think it will be sunny tomorrow morning?

B:

I hope so.

"Not" as a Pro-sentence

"Not" can come before verbs of expectation and belief such as 'guess', 'hope', and 'suppose' to avoid repeating a sentence and express a negative meaning. For example:

A:

Can we afford this house?

B:

I suppose not.

A:

I don't think Mandi will be joining us today.

B:

I guess not.

A:

It looks like it's going to rain.

B:

I hope not.

"This" and "That" as Pro-sentences

We can use 'that' or 'this' to refer back to a whole clause, without repeating the actual words. For example:

A:

I'm having dinner with a couple of my friends.

B:

That sounds nice.

A:

We've got to arrive at the airport ASAP.

B:

I've already told her that.

A:

I got the job!

B:

This is amazing!

Review

Pro-sentences are words that can represent a whole sentence or clause to avoid repeating it. Some of the common pro-sentences in English are:

"Yes" and "No"

Sentence Adverbs

Discourse Markers

"So"

"Not"

"This" and "That"

Quiz:


1.

Which of the following is an example of a pro-sentence used to avoid repeating a full sentence?

A

I hope not.

B

So is she.

C

I will be there.

D

A and B

2.

Which of the following sentences uses "so" correctly as a pro-sentence?

A

"Do you think it will rain tomorrow?" "So I guess."

B

"Sam is coming to the party." "So I heard."

C

"She didn't finish her homework." "So did not."

D

"You should go to bed early." "I should so."

3.

Select all words that can act as pro-sentences. (Select four.)

absolutely

yes

have

myself

okay

such

did

so

can

here

4.

Sort the words to form a conversation using a pro-sentence.

a: "
."b: "
"
that's
finished
project
amazing
i
!
finally
the
5.

Match each example pro-sentence with its description.

Yes/No
Absolutely
Not
So
Used with verbs of expectation and belief to show affirmation
Simple affirmations or negations used in response to question
Adverbs that substitute for a complete sentence by expressing affirmation or emphasis
Negative word that follows verbs of expectation and belief

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