There is an important part of grammar that is common in writing and everyday speech.

But unlike many other subjects in grammar, this subject is defined by what is not expressed.

What is this mysterious subject?

In today's report, we will explore elliptical structures.

Let's start with a few important terms and ideas.

Clauses are groups of words with a subject and a predicate.

When part of a clause — generally part of the predicate — is left out but still understood, we get an elliptical clause.

Imagine you are watching an American television show.

You hear the following:

Who is going to cook dinner?