Ellipsis Definition – What is an Ellipsis?
An ellipsis, often known as ellipses in plural, consists of three consecutive dots and is a crucial punctuation mark in writing. It is frequently used to indicate the omission of words, phrases, or entire sentences from a direct quotation, to create suspense by leaving a sentence hanging, or to signify that a thought is unfinished. By mastering the use of ellipses, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing, tailoring your text to convey precise meaning and tone.
When Should I Use an Ellipsis? — Use Cases
1. Ellipsis to Indicate Omission in Quotations
Use Case: An ellipsis helps streamline lengthy quotations in academic writing, focusing on pivotal sections while preserving the original message.
Example: Original quote: “To be, or not to be, that is the question—whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and, by opposing, end them.” With ellipsis: “To be, or not to be … whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune…”
2. Ellipsis to Create Suspense
Use Case: Employ an ellipsis to leave a narrative moment open, enhancing emotional engagement by allowing the audience to ponder what might happen next.
Example: “Just as she reached for the mysterious box, the lights went out and all that could be heard was…”
3. Ellipsis to Signify Unfinished Thoughts
Use Case: Use ellipses in dialogues or personal narratives to mimic natural speech, showing hesitation or the disruption of a thought.
Example: “If only I had realized what they were planning, I might have… Well, it’s too late now.”
How Are Ellipsis Punctuated in Sentences?
Use Case: When words are omitted from within two nearby sentences, insert the ellipsis in place of the omitted words.
Example: “She said she would never … forget such kindness,” instead of “She said she would never, no matter the circumstances, forget such kindness.” Note: Spaces are placed between the dots, as well as before and after them.
Use Case: When words are omitted following a complete sentence, include the sentence’s end punctuation followed by the ellipsis.
Example: Driving, texting, and talking on the phone are all cognitively complex tasks; they require sophisticated brain functions such as memory, attention, problem solving, and decision making. . . . [but] the brain can’t perform two cognitively complex tasks at the same time” (Weir 2). Note: The period appears at the end of the sentence and is followed by the ellipsis and another space.
When Should I Not Use Ellipses?
- Do not use ellipses at the beginning or end of a quotation.
- Do not use ellipses to alter the author’s originally intended meaning.
