Is substitution in German grammar different than in English or is it same? Can anyone give me an example?
In English grammar, substitution is the replacement of a word or phrase with a "filler" word (such as one, so, or do) to avoid repetition. Also called ellipsis-substitution.
This Oxford dictionary site about Ellipsis defines a substitution as follows:
Substitution is similar to ellipsis in many ways, because both enable the speaker to reduce what they are saying. Ellipsis is simply leaving something out that is usually obvious. Substitution involves using words such as dodo and soso and notnot instead of a clause.
And they compare examples for ellipsis:
A: Will you have another cake?
B: I’d better not [have another cake]. I’m supposed to be on a diet.
and substitution:
A: Is Charlie coming too?
B: I hope not. There’s only enough food for three. (not = Charlie isn’t coming)