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Can we omit the subject of a sentence after 'em dash'(—).

If it is possible, then which option of the options below in formal writing is preferable?

Examples

option 1:

These old cars are fixed by the master—in other words, they are renewed.

or option 2 (omitting 'they');

These old cars are fixed by the master—in other words, are renewed.

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    Both your options are fine, as would be These old cars are fixed by the master—in other words, these old cars are renewed AND —in other words, renewed. It's entirely a stylistic choice how many of those "predictably repeated" words you decide to "delete" from the second place where they are / would be used (and that's regardless of whether the repeated terms are nouns, verbs, or whatever - everything can potentially be deleted in such contexts).
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented Jun 30, 2021 at 15:32

1 Answer 1

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Both option 1 and option 2 are acceptable. The repeated subject "they" in option 1 (which refers back to "these old cars") can be omitted and will be understood by the reader.

This is not because of the dash, the same would be true if a comma were used instead.

In this case I would prefer option 1, it is slightly clearer at the cost of only a single word. But that is purely a matter of style, not grammar.

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    I'm afraid the OP's question is about formal writing, not grammar. Consequently, I would definitely use the complete option, but that's just me.
    – Lucian Sava
    Commented Jun 30, 2021 at 19:06
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    Upvote Lucian's comment (I accidentally unvoted it)
    – gotube ♦
    Commented Jun 30, 2021 at 21:57

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