Substitution in Discourse Analysis
Substitution are used when “a speaker or writer wishes to avoid the repetation of
lexical item and draw on one of the grammatical resources of the language or replace the
item.”
Substitution is the replacement of a word or phrase with a “filler” word (such as one, so, or
do) to avoid repetation.
Substitution
Nominal Verbal Clausal
(one / ones) (do / so) (so / not)
1. Nominal Subsitution
When a noun phrase is elided or substitute.
By using one “one or ones”
Example:
a. This car is mine, but that one is yours.
b. Let’s go and see the birds. Ones are on the tree.
2. Verbal Substitution
When a verb phrase is elided or substitute.
By using “Do”
Example:
a. Did Marry take that letter?
b. She might have done.
Do /Do not and auxiliaries.
a. She can drive the car, but I cannot.
b. She wrote the homework, but I did not.
3. Clausal Substitution
When the entire clause or a large part of it is elided or substitute.
By using “So or Not”
Example:
a. Do you need a lift? If so, wait for me; if not I’ll see you there.