An ellipsis (...) is a set of three periods that indicates the omission of words from quoted material, hesitation, or trailing off in dialogue or train of thought. An ellipsis should have spaces before, between, and after the periods.
- How do you use ellipses in a paragraph?
- What are ellipses used for in text?
- What is the effect of ellipsis on the reader?
How do you use ellipses in a paragraph?
An ellipsis ( . . . ) is used to indicate something was omitted. MLA requires ellipsis before or after the words used when you are quoting more than just a word or a phrase; however, writers only need to use ellipsis if it's unclear that the quotation does not completely reproduce the original passage.
What are ellipses used for in text?
An ellipsis, or ellipses in the plural form, is a punctuation mark of three dots (. . .) that shows an omission of words, represents a pause, or suggests there's something left unsaid.
What is the effect of ellipsis on the reader?
Ellipsis points are important because they tell your readers that something is missing. The points help your audience understand that you have only quoted part of something, and that they can go back and fill in the blank should they wish to.