GAPPING Meaning and
Definition
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Gapping is a linguistic phenomenon that occurs when part of a sentence or phrase, usually the verb or a verb phrase, is deliberately and systematically omitted in order to avoid repetition. This omission is usually carried out by repeating only the essential elements of the sentence, while leaving out the non-essential elements that can be inferred from the context. Gapping typically occurs in coordination constructions, where two or more parallel clauses are joined together by a coordinating conjunction.
In gapping, the verb or verb phrase in the second (or subsequent) clause is omitted if it is identical or similar to the verb or verb phrase in the first clause. This omission creates a sense of conciseness and fluency, as it allows the speaker or writer to communicate the necessary information without unnecessary repetition. The omitted elements can usually be understood from the preceding context or from the available shared information between the speaker (or writer) and the listener (or reader).
For example, in the sentence "Tom likes apples, and John, oranges," the verb "likes" is gapped or omitted in the second clause because it is identical to the verb used in the first clause. By gapping, the sentence can be understood as "Tom likes apples, and John [likes] oranges." This omission of the repeated verb phrase streamlines the sentence, making it more succinct while still conveying the intended meaning. Gapping is a common feature in many languages, providing a flexible and efficient way of communication.
Common Misspellings for GAPPING
Similar spelling words for GAPPING
- tapping,
- yapping,
- gaping,
- lapping,
- mapping,
- cupping,
- zapping,
- rapping,
- gapinski,
- Capping,
- gasping.
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