Ellipses (...)
An ellipsis is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots. It is used to indicate an omission, a pause, or an unfinished thought.
What Is an Ellipsis?
An ellipsis (plural: ellipses) is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (...). It is used to indicate an omission of words, a pause in thought, or an unfinished sentence.
How to Use an Ellipsis
Ellipses serve a few distinct purposes in writing.
| Usage | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Omission of Words | To show that words have been intentionally left out of a quotation. This is a powerful tool in academic and professional writing, as it allows you to shorten a long passage to focus only on the most relevant information for your argument. It is crucial, however, to ensure that omitting the words does not change the original author's meaning. For instance, if you are quoting a long sentence about the economy, you can use an ellipsis to remove a clause that is not directly related to your point, making the quote more concise and impactful. This technique helps maintain readability and keeps your reader focused on the core message you are trying to convey with the evidence. Always be ethical and accurate when using an ellipsis to omit words. | "The original quote was, "The cat, which was black and fluffy, sat on the mat." It became: "The cat ... sat on the mat."" |
| Pause or Hesitation | In informal writing, to show a pause or hesitation in thought or speech. | "I'm not sure... maybe we should go later." |
| Trailing Off | To show that a sentence or thought is left unfinished. | "If only he had known..." |
Guidelines for Correct Usage
- An ellipsis consists of three evenly spaced dots (...).
- When an ellipsis is used at the end of a sentence, it is often followed by a period, making four dots in total (....).
- Be careful not to change the original meaning of a quotation when omitting words.
- In formal writing, ellipses are primarily used for omission in quotes. In creative or informal writing, they are often used for pauses.
Usage Tip: Avoid Overuse
Using too many ellipses in your writing can make it feel choppy or unfinished. Reserve them for situations where they truly add value and clarity.
Key Takeaways
- An ellipsis (...) is used to indicate an omission of words from a quote.
- It can also be used to show a pause, hesitation, or an unfinished thought in informal writing.
- Use ellipses carefully to ensure you do not change the original meaning of a quotation.
- Overusing ellipses in formal writing can make it appear unprofessional or unclear.
Exercises and Worksheets
Ready to practice? Test your knowledge with these resources.