English: idea completion in formal writing

Tutoring English, the difference between everyday and formal communication is important. The tutor mentions idea completion.

Consider the following sentence:

Life in a small town is easier.

Informally, people likely assume what is meant is

Life in a small town is easier than in a big city.

Talking or writing informally, people will often leave out the phrase than in a big city because it’s assumed. However, writing formally, it’s advisable to include than in a big city, since it completes the thought. Without it, the sentence might be argued incomplete, since it suggests a comparison never included.

Source:

Hodges, John C. et al. Harbrace Handbook for Canadians, sixth ed. Scarborough: Nelson Education, 2003.