What is an Ellipses and How to Use It?

In English grammar and punctuation, an ellipse refers to a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (…) used to indicate an intentional omission of words from a sentence or passage. The term “ellipsis” also denotes the rhetorical device of omitting words while still retaining the intended meaning.

Let’s deep dive into the topic to learn more about ellipses and how to use them correctly.

An ellipsis (plural form is “Ellipses”) is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (…) used to indicate an intentional omission of words from a sentence or passage. It’s commonly used in writing to show that something has been left out or omitted, either from a quotation or within one’s own writing.

Additionally, “ellipsis” can refer to the rhetorical device of omitting words while still retaining the intended meaning. For example,

“I was thinking about going to… oh, never mind.”
“I wandered lonely as a cloud… That floats on high o’er vales and hills…”

Using ellipses in writing involves several considerations to ensure clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness.

Punctuation Mark:

In its most common usage, an ellipsis is a punctuation mark composed of three consecutive dots (…) that are placed together with spaces between each dot. It is typically used to indicate that some material has been omitted from a text, either in a quotation or in one’s own writing.

Omission of Words:

Ellipses are often used to indicate that words have been deliberately left out of a quotation or passage, usually to condense lengthy text or remove irrelevant information while maintaining the essential meaning. In a quoted passage, an ellipsis might be used to indicate that some words or sentences from the original text have been omitted
For example, “The road to success is not easy… it requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance.”

Trailing Off or Pause:

In creative writing, dialogue, or informal communication, ellipses can convey a sense of hesitation, uncertainty, or a trailing off of speech or thought. They indicate a pause in conversation or suggest that the speaker is struggling to find the right words.
For example, in dialogue, an ellipsis might be used to signify a pause or hesitation in speech: “Well… I’m not quite sure how to say this…”

Stylistic Effect:

Ellipses can also be used for stylistic effect in writing. They can create suspense, imply a sense of mystery, evoke a contemplative mood, or indicate a break in thought or dialogue.

For Quotes:

When quoting text with ellipses, provide context to indicate where the omission occurs. Use square brackets to enclose any additional information added for clarity or to indicate where the omitted text would fit within the original passage
Example: “The road to success is not easy … it requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance.”

Punctuation Mark for indicating omission:
- Original: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
- With ellipsis: “The quick … jumps over the lazy dog.”
- Explanation: In this example, the ellipsis indicates that part of the sentence has been omitted, leaving out the words “brown fox.”
Dialogue for indicating hesitation or trailing off:
- “Well… I’m not sure if I should…”
- Explanation: Here, the ellipsis represents a pause in speech, indicating hesitation or uncertainty on the part of the speaker. It suggests that the speaker is trailing off or struggling to find the right words.
Literature for creating suspense or ambiguity:
- “The door creaked open, revealing a figure in the shadows…”
- Explanation: In this example, the ellipsis creates suspense by leaving the sentence open-ended. It invites the reader to imagine what might be revealed next, adding a sense of mystery to the narrative.
Poetry for implying continuation or reflection:
- “I wandered lonely as a cloud… That floats on high o’er vales and hills…”
- Explanation: Here, the ellipsis indicates a continuation of thought or imagery from one line of poetry to the next. It suggests a pause for reflection or contemplation between the two lines.

What is an ellipsis?

An ellipsis is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (…) used to indicate an intentional omission of words from a sentence or passage. It can also refer to the rhetorical device of omitting words while still retaining the intended meaning.

When should I use an ellipsis?

Ellipses are used to show that something has been deliberately omitted from a quotation or text, either to condense lengthy passages, remove irrelevant information, or indicate a pause or trailing off in speech or thought.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using ellipses?

Avoid overusing ellipses, as this can distract readers and disrupt the flow of writing. Additionally, be mindful of using ellipses to alter the meaning of a quotation or misrepresent the author’s intent. Use ellipses responsibly to convey meaning accurately and effectively.

What is difference between “ellipses” vs “ellipsis”?

There is a lot of confusion over ellipses and ellipsis. Both seemed same but there’s a minor difference between them

“Ellipses” is the plural form, referring to multiple instances of the punctuation mark (…).

“Ellipsis” is the singular form, referring to a single instance of the punctuation mark.