no, I agree with those who think that Max said it all perfectly.

-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Lemoine [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2000 10:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: elliptical constructions


>I imagine the same thing is true for "after" when
it's >a subordinate conjunction and when it's a
preposition, >though I don't care to go there.  Life's
too short.  A >preposition is a preposition.  And a
subordinate conjunction is a subordinate conjunction.
Why not leave >it at that?

Max,

Your point is well taken, but in English there are a
few words, "than" and "as", that aren't easily
classified in one category or another.  They both seem
to function as prepositions and as conjunctions
depending on whether the speech/writing context
requires the use of formal language. Some people (my
colleagues at least) insist that "before" and "after"
function similarly.

Is there anyone out there who feels that "before" and
"after" can permit full ellipsis of the predicate as
in the following example?

(1) My sister arrived at the movie theater before I
[arrived at the theater].

Thanks,

Kevin


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