What Is an Ellipsis (…)
Three little dots (…) are called an ellipsis (plural: ellipses). The term ellipsis comes from the Greek word meaning “omission,” and that is just what an ellipsis does. It shows that something has been left out.
1. Omitted words
When quoting someone, an ellipsis is used to show that some of the words are omitted from the conversation.
Examples:
- It must be obvious, from the very start, that there is a contradiction in wanting to be perfectly secure in a universe whose very nature is momentariness and fluidity. (ORIGINAL QUOTE)
- It must be obvious (. . .)that there is a contradiction in wanting to be perfectly secure in a universe whose very nature is momentariness and fluidity. (QUOTE WITH AN ELLIPSIS)
When using an ellipsis to omit part of a quote, choose your spot carefully to ensure the remaining sentence remains grammatically correct. For instance, omitting text between two commas keeps the sentence intact.
2. Trailing off into silence
When quoting someone, an ellipsis is used to show that some of the words are omitted from the conversation.
Examples:
- Andrew, can you, um . . . never mind, I forgot what I was saying. So, do you think we should...?
3. Pause for Dramatic Effect or Suspense
An ellipsis is used to create a deliberate pause before an important revelation, statement, or event. This technique builds anticipation, heightens curiosity, or emphasizes the gravity of what comes next.
Examples:
- He unlocked the ancient chest, holding his breath, and inside he found . . . a map to a hidden treasure. (Suspense)
- And the winner is . . . Maria Lopez! (Dramatic Effect)
How Many Dots in an Ellipsis?
Ellipsis is formed by three dots(…). However, the number of dots can vary based on their position in a sentence and its surrounding punctuation. Here's how to use ellipses correctly in different contexts:
1. Standard Ellipsis (Three Dots)
An ellipsis is formed with exactly three dots when it appears in the middle of an incomplete sentence or a quotation.
Examples:
- To be, or not to be . . . that is the question.
2. Ellipsis After a Complete Sentence (Four Dots)
If the ellipsis comes immediately after a grammatically complete sentence, that sentence still needs its own period. So, you would end up with a period, plus an ellipsis, which looks like four dots in a row.
Examples:
- Call me Jonah. My parents did, or nearly did. They called me John. (Original)
- Call me Jonah. . . . They called me John. (Shortened)