CHAPTER II.
SYNTAX OF SUBSTANTIVES.
[§ 428]. The phenomena of convertibility have been already explained.
The remaining points connected with the syntax of substantives, are chiefly points of ellipsis.
Ellipsis of substantives.—The historical view of phrases, like Rundell and Bridge's, St. Paul's, &c., shows that this ellipsis is common to the English and the other Gothic languages. Furthermore, it shows that it is met with in languages not of the Gothic stock; and, finally, that the class of words to which it applies, is, there or thereabouts, the same generally.
[§ 429]. The following phrases are referable to a different class of relations—
1. Right and left—supply hand. This is, probably, a real ellipsis. The words right and left, have not yet become true substantives; inasmuch as they have no plural forms. In this respect they stand in contrast with bitter and sweet; inasmuch as we can say he has tasted both the bitters and sweets of life. Nevertheless, the expression can be refined on.
2. All fours. To go on all fours. No ellipsis. The word fours is a true substantive, as proved by its existence as a plural.