Ellipsis… What Are They?

Originating from the Greek word that meant “omission”, an ellipsis (plural: ellipses) is used to show that something has been omitted in a sentence. Ellipsis is useful in showing omission when you are quoting someone. The reasons for using ellipsis ranges from bringing clarity to a sentence, to removing irrelevant words from a sentence.

Ellipsis can also be used to denote pauses in a speech or to denote a sentence that trails off. However, this kind of usage of the ellipsis is not appropriate for formal or academic writing and should only be used in informal or creative writing.

Example: He said “take your books… and leave”.

Number of Dots

While an ellipsis contains three dots, an ellipsis placed after a complete sentence will have four dots: a period and an ellipsis. This, together, would look like four dots in a row.

Example: Do you know… anything about lobsters?

I was fine…. Until I wasn’t.

Ellipsis Spacing

The spacing between the dots largely depends on the style guide you follow. According to the Chicago Manual of Style, you need to have some space between each dot. However, in the AP Stylebook, you should consider ellipsis as a three-letter word. So, there should be a space before and after the dots, but not in between them. While you can follow any style guide you prefer, remember to stay consistent throughout your writing.

Practical tips for using ellipses

Use ellipses to show omitted text in quotations or to indicate a pause or trailing off in informal or creative writing. Keep them purposeful-overuse makes prose vague and weakens emphasis.

Decide on a style and stick with it: some guides prefer spaced dots (. . .), others prefer a closed form (…). When an ellipsis follows a complete sentence you may need an extra period (four dots total) depending on the style you follow.

• Do use ellipses to shorten quoted material without changing the original meaning.
• Do use square brackets around an ellipsis when you want to signal an editorial omission inside a quote: [···].
• Don’t use ellipses to mask unclear ideas or to create unnecessary suspense; consider an em dash for abrupt interruptions instead.

FAQ

Can I use ellipses in formal writing?

Only for indicating omissions in quoted material and only according to your chosen style guide; avoid using them to indicate pauses or emotion in academic or legal texts.

How do I choose spacing around an ellipsis?

Follow a consistent style: one approach places spaces between the dots, another treats the ellipsis as a single token with spaces before and after. Consistency matters more than which convention you pick.

Are ellipses interchangeable with em dashes?

No. Use an ellipsis for trailing off or omitted text; use an em dash for interruptions or abrupt breaks in thought.

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