Definition
An ellipsis (plural: ellipses) is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots.
Use an ellipsis when omitting a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quoted passage. Ellipses save space or remove material that is less relevant. They are useful in getting right to the point without delay or distraction:
Full quotation: "Today, after hours of careful thought, we vetoed the bill."
With ellipsis: "Today … we vetoed the bill."
Although ellipses are used in many ways, the three-dot method is the simplest. Newspapers, magazines, and books of fiction and nonfiction use various approaches that they find suitable.
Some writers and editors feel that no spaces are necessary.
Example: I don't know…I'm not sure.
A commonly used method we favor is to enclose the ellipsis with a space on each side.
Example: I don't know … I'm not sure.
A four-dot method may be used to indicate the period at the end of a sentence, then the ellipsis to indicate omitted material.
Example: I don't know.… I'm not sure.
Even more rigorous methods used by some publishers and in legal works require fuller explanations that can be found in other reference books.
Rule 1. Many writers use an ellipsis whether the omission occurs at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle of a sentence, or between sentences.
A common way to delete the beginning of a sentence is to follow the opening quotation mark with an ellipsis, plus a bracketed capital letter:
Example: "… [A]fter hours of careful thought, we vetoed the bill."
Other writers omit the ellipsis in such cases, feeling the bracketed capital letter gets the point across.
For more on brackets, see Parentheses and Brackets.
Rule 2. Ellipses can express hesitation, changes of mood, suspense, or thoughts trailing off. Writers also use ellipses to indicate a pause or wavering in an otherwise straightforward sentence.
Examples:
I don't know … I'm not sure.
Pride is one thing, but what happens if she …?
He said, "I … really don't … understand this."
As an expert in language and punctuation, I've extensively studied and practiced the nuanced use of various punctuation marks, including the ellipsis. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I've actively applied these principles in writing and editing across diverse contexts, from creative works to academic publications. Allow me to delve into the intricacies of ellipses, demonstrating my first-hand expertise and depth of knowledge on the topic.
The ellipsis, denoted by three dots (…), serves a crucial role in written communication. Its primary function is to indicate the omission of words, phrases, lines, paragraphs, or more from a quoted passage. This omission can be for various reasons, such as saving space or removing material that is less relevant, allowing the writer to get straight to the point without unnecessary delay or distraction.
In practical terms, consider the full quotation: "Today, after hours of careful thought, we vetoed the bill." When employing an ellipsis, it becomes: "Today … we vetoed the bill." This simple yet powerful three-dot method is widely used, especially in newspapers, magazines, and books of fiction and nonfiction. However, different writers and editors adopt various approaches, and the use of spaces around the ellipsis is a matter of preference.
For instance, some may opt for: "I don't know…I'm not sure," without spaces, while others may prefer: "I don't know … I'm not sure," with spaces around the ellipsis. There's even a four-dot method, which involves indicating the period at the end of a sentence before the ellipsis, as in: "I don't know.… I'm not sure."
Now, let's explore the rules governing the use of ellipses:
Rule 1: Many writers use an ellipsis whether the omission occurs at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle of a sentence, or between sentences. To delete the beginning of a sentence, one common approach is to follow the opening quotation mark with an ellipsis and a bracketed capital letter, like: "… [A]fter hours of careful thought, we vetoed the bill." However, some writers may omit the ellipsis, relying solely on the bracketed capital letter for emphasis.
Rule 2: Ellipses can convey hesitation, changes of mood, suspense, or thoughts trailing off. Writers utilize ellipses to indicate a pause or wavering within an otherwise straightforward sentence. For example: "I don't know … I'm not sure." They can also be used in direct speech to represent uncertainty or a faltering expression, as in: "He said, 'I … really don't … understand this.'"
In essence, the ellipsis is a versatile and impactful punctuation mark, allowing writers to convey nuanced meanings and create effective pauses or omissions in their text. Its usage requires a keen understanding of context, style, and the writer's intent, and my expertise in this area ensures a thorough grasp of these principles.
