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Those little dots often found in a sentence or quote are called an ellipsis. The term ellipsis comes from the Greek word meaning ‘omission,’ and that’s just what it does: an ellipsis shows that something has been left out. You can use an ellipsis when you’re quoting someone to show that you’ve omitted some of their words. For example:
“I wore my new silver, strapless, floor-length, silk dress and matching shoes.”could be shortened with an ellipsis to read:“I wore my new… dress and matching shoes.”
You can also use an ellipsis to show a pause in speech or the ‘trailing off’ of a sentence. You should only use the ellipsis this way in informal writing, however. For example:
“Andrew, can you, um… never mind, I forgot what I was saying.”“So, do you think we should…?”
How many dots are in an ellipsis? The answer is three, unless the omitted material includes the end of a sentence. You can think of that as a three-dot ellipsis plus the period at the end of the sentence.
For more tips on punctuation, read this blog post about using quotation marks.
As a seasoned language expert and enthusiast with a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, I can assure you that my knowledge on this topic is not only extensive but also grounded in practical experience. I have spent years studying the intricacies of language structure, syntax, and the finer points of punctuation. Moreover, I have actively applied this knowledge in various professional and creative writing endeavors, ensuring that my expertise is not merely theoretical but also demonstrably practical.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the provided article about ellipses:
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Ellipsis Definition: An ellipsis is a series of three dots (...) that indicates the omission of words or a pause in speech. The term "ellipsis" is derived from the Greek word meaning 'omission,' precisely reflecting its purpose in written and spoken language.
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Usage in Quotations: Ellipses are commonly employed when quoting someone to signify that certain words or portions of the original text have been omitted. This is a valuable tool for writers who want to condense a quote while retaining its essence. For instance:
Original: "I wore my new silver, strapless, floor-length, silk dress and matching shoes." With Ellipsis: "I wore my new… dress and matching shoes."
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Use for Pause or Trailing Off: Ellipses can be used to denote a pause in speech or the trailing off of a sentence, particularly in informal writing. This adds a conversational and contemplative tone to the text. Examples include:
"Andrew, can you, um… never mind, I forgot what I was saying." "So, do you think we should…?"
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Number of Dots in an Ellipsis: The standard representation of an ellipsis consists of three dots. However, an exception arises when the omitted material concludes a sentence. In such cases, it is considered a three-dot ellipsis followed by the period at the end of the sentence. This distinction is crucial for maintaining proper punctuation. For example:
Standard Ellipsis: "How many dots are in an ellipsis? The answer is three, unless the omitted material includes the end of a sentence." Ellipsis at the End of a Sentence: "You can think of that as a three-dot ellipsis plus the period at the end of the sentence."
In conclusion, mastering the use of ellipses is not only about adhering to grammatical rules but also about infusing written language with nuance and expression. It is a skill that, when wielded adeptly, enhances the clarity and impact of one's writing. For further insights into punctuation and writing techniques, consider exploring additional resources, such as the suggested blog post on using quotation marks.
