What’s an Ellipsis? Definition, Usage, and Examples

Have you ever stumbled upon a sentence that leaves you hanging, inviting your imagination to fill in the gaps? That’s the magic of an ellipsis. This intriguing punctuation mark is not just for dramatic pauses—it adds depth and nuance to our writing.

Whether you’re crafting a story or texting a friend, understanding how to use an ellipsis can elevate your communication game. Dive into this guide and discover what an ellipsis is all about, along with examples and tips on using it effectively!

What is an Ellipsis?

An ellipsis is three dots in a row, with an implied omission or pause in thought – it is what creates suspense or proposes that something is not said. Very slightly subtle, it adds many layers to dialogue and narrative.

In writing, it can lead readers to wonder what will happen next, as a trailing tendency. For example, when someone tells you, “I was thinking…,” you perceive that they have some more to say but elect not to tell all.

Ellipses are one of the most versatile punctuation marks both in literature and, of course, in casual text messaging. And it is for the same reasons that they prove to be very helpful punctuation marks in effective expression and communication.

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Examples of Ellipsis in a Sentence

Ellipsis are particularly used when one wants to prolong suspense or indicate some kind of dramatic pause or halt in a dialogue. Example: “I don’t know what to say… it’s just so unexpected.” In the example, above, an ellipsis suggests hesitation or uncertainty.

They can also point to inferred but not stated information. Take the following sentence: “She was going to the store, but I didn’t ask her if she wanted anything…” In this instance, the ellipsis suggests that there is information yet to be supplied.

Ellipses are used by a writer for dramatic effect in literature. For instance, “I thought you will always be there for me…”, which can create great emotion and leaves much to the readers’ wonder about what is omitted.

Ellipsis vs. ellipses

An ellipsis is singular whereas there are quite a few plural forms: ellipses. An ellipsis refers to a row of three dots that are used in writing. It is: … The term is also a punctuation mark mainly used for indicating omitted text and to write suspense.

An ellipsis usually denotes something that is omitted or a thought trailing off. In writing, it is capable of creatively showing pauses in the actual dialogues or in narrative context.

Knowing when to use either of these properly is important. If you are talking about one example of this punctuation mark, “ellipsis” is the word you’ll be using. However, if you’re talking about more than one occurrence, then “ellipses” fits perfectly into your conversation.

When to use an ellipsis, with examples

An ellipsis is the comma, followed by an ellipsis point, and a final period. It is a strong punctuation mark and can be used to indicate text omitted, create suspense, or convey hesitation. Here is an example of how you could use an ellipsis if you were quoting someone but did not want to repeat part of their statement for brevity: “She said she would. Eventually…”

In dialogue, it is used to show uncertainty or to imply that a sentence has trailed off. There is one example: “I just don’t know what to think anymore. It’s all so confusing.” Adds more depth and emotion by this pause.

You can also make an ellipsis to indicate that something wasn’t being said, but it could be felt or was actually in the air. In imaginative writing, this will capture readers’ interest: “The secret was buried deep within her heart.” Readers are left wondering what that secret is without any details given.

Using Ellipses in Quoted Material

The ellipses are a very useful marker for text that has been omitted while quoting material. This means you can keep the message and convey it in an even more straightforward manner without redundancy. If, for example, the quote in question is too long or contains extraneous information, cut it up using the ellipses.

Dot that point with ellipses where words are omitted, being mindful of punctuation as well. In all cases, honor the grammar of the sentence you leave remaining.

Quoting can sometimes influence verb tense for it to be clear. Use your ellipses selectively so the reader is able to understand what has been left out but the context is not lost. It improves readability and makes your writing smooth.

To delve deep into the intricacies of an ellipse, there are some key questions that need answering. Here are a few common FAQs to clear off all hanging doubts.