Practice Makes Perfect

Omitting the subject and the verb in the  

second clause

In French, when the subject of the first and second clause is identical, it is frequently omitted. In 

English it can be omitted, too.

Beatrice a fermé les yeux et n’a pas vu 

Beatrice closed her eyes and did not see the 

l’accident. 

 accident.

Les détectives ont fait leur rapport et sont  The detectives made their report and left. 

partis.

It is also possible to omit the verb of the second clause for different reasons: for the sake of 

brevity, a balanced combination of sentences, or a simple matter of style.

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Independent clauses and subordinate clauses 

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Il n’a ni travail ni argent. 

He does not have a job nor money.

Je vais préparer une omelette ou une salade.  I will prepare an omelet or a salad.