What is an Ellipsis in Writing?

ElevatEd
English
May 8, 2025

Have you ever noticed those three mysterious dots (.) that show up in books, articles, and even text messages? Those tiny dots, an ellipsis, are hidden codes on the page that whisper, "Something's missing here, but you can fill in the blanks!" This tiny punctuation mark is powerful, creating suspense, indicating omissions, or even imitating the natural pauses we make when we speak.

It is important to understand punctuation marks such as the ellipsis to be able to gain good reading and writing skills. When learners master the use and comprehension of such marks, they write more effectively and their reading skill is enhanced.

In this article, we shall find out what an ellipsis is, explore its various uses, look at some helpful examples, and find out how to use this punctuation mark correctly in various forms of writing.

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What is an Ellipsis in Grammar?

An ellipsis (ellipses) is a punctuation mark made up of three dots (…) to show an omission of words, a pause, a fading away of speech, or suspense. "Ellipsis" is derived from the Greek word for "omission" or "falling short."

How to Write an Ellipsis Correctly

There are several different types of ellipses:

Style Guide	Format	Example
MLA	Three periods with spaces between ( . . . )	"I wonder . . . if this is correct."
APA	Three periods with spaces before and after ( ... )	"The results showed ... significant improvement."
Chicago	Three periods with spaces between and before and after ( . . . )	"We thought about it . . . and agreed."
Informal	Three periods without spaces (...)	"I'm not sure..."

Fun Fact

The ellipsis is one of the newest punctuation marks, not becoming standardized until the 19th century, centuries after periods, commas, and semicolons!

Uses of Ellipses in Writing

1. Omission of Omitted Text in Quotations

When source text is being quoted, authors tend to employ ellipses to show where they've clipped words from the source text.

Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog and continues running through the meadow."

With ellipsis: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog ... through the meadow."

2. Building Suspense or Trail of Thoughts

Ellipses can create suspense or indicate unfinished ideas.

Example: "As she opened the creaking door..."

Example: "I was suggesting that perhaps we could."

3. Marking a Suspension of Speech

In speech, ellipses imply hesitation or reflective pauses.

Example: "I. I don't know how to break it to you."

4. Displaying Omitted Items in a List

Ellipses are often used to indicate what is left out of a sequence.

Example: "The digits 2, 4, 6,. 100 are even."

Common Errors In Using Ellipses

Overuse of dots: An ellipsis is merely three dots at a time.
Overuse of ellipses: Excessive use of ellipses in an article can cause writing to appear uncertain or amateurish.
Mixing up ellipses with another punctuation mark: Ellipses have various functions in contrast to other punctuation marks.

When Not to Use Ellipses

Ellipses shouldn't be used:

As ornamental structures
Rather than appropriate sentence-ending punctuation
To produce "dramatic" pauses in formal writing
In academic sources (use square brackets instead)

Ellipses in Different Types of Writing

Type of Writing	Appropriate Use of Ellipses
Academic Writing	Primarily for quotation omissions
Creative Writing	For pauses, trailing thoughts, and suspense
Journalism	For shortening quotes while maintaining context
Informal Writing	More flexible use, including showing hesitation

Learning how to use ellipses is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your child's writing, giving it a more mature and rich tone. At 98thPercentile, our experienced English instructors guide students through proper usage of punctuation marks like the ellipsis, and they can create effective and clear communication.

Our interactive lessons not only teach students the rules of grammar but also lead them in learning how to use the rules effectively and properly in their writing assignments, preparing them for academic achievement.

Enroll your child in 98thPercentile's English Language Arts program today and make them a master of the subtleties of grammar and punctuation!

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FAQs

Q1: What is an ellipsis in writing?

Ans: An ellipsis is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (.) in order to indicate omitted words, pauses in speech, trailing thoughts, or suspense in writing.

Q2: How do you properly use an ellipsis in grammar?

Ans: Employ an ellipsis to indicate omitted words in quotations, indicate pauses in speech, indicate trailing thoughts, or build suspense. Style varies, but always includes three dots.

Q3: Can an ellipsis include more than three dots?

Ans: No, a normal ellipsis should be made up of three dots. Fewer or additional dots would be incorrect.

Q4: Do I include spaces before and after an ellipsis?

Ans: That will be determined by the style manual you are using. MLA, APA, and Chicago styles have different treatments for ellipses.

Q5: When am I not supposed to use ellipses?

Ans: Avoid using ellipses in formal writing other than in quotations, avoid using ellipses to excess in any writing, and avoid using ellipses as ornaments or as substitutes for correct punctuation.

Q6: How do ellipses differ from dashes in writing?

Ans: While ellipses indicate omissions, pauses, or trailing thoughts, dashes (--) generally indicate interruptions, emphasis, or abrupt changes in thought.