Ellipsis
What is an Ellipsis?
An ellipsis is three dots (…) used to show:
- Omitted words
- Trailing off in thought or speech
- A pause
For Omitted Words
In Quotations
Original: “I went to the store, bought some milk, bread, and eggs, and then I came home.”
Shortened: “I went to the store … and then I came home.”
More Examples
- Original: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
- Shortened: “We hold these truths … that all men are created equal.”
At the End of a Quotation
If the omission is at the end, use four dots (ellipsis + period):
- “The journey was long and difficult**…**“
For Trailing Off
Unfinished Thoughts
- “I was going to say something, but**…**”
- “Well, I suppose we could**…**”
- “If only I had known**…**“
Hesitation
- “I think**…** maybe**…** we should go.”
- “The answer is**…** um**…** forty-two.”
Creating Suspense
- “And the winner is**…**”
- “She opened the door and saw**…**”
- “Behind the curtain was**…**“
For Pauses in Dialogue
- “I don’t know**…** it’s complicated.”
- “But why**…**? I don’t understand.”
- “So you’re saying**…** that it’s over?”
Formatting
Three Dots
Most common: …
- No spaces between dots
- Space before and after (usually)
Spaced Dots
Some style guides use: …
- Spaces between dots
With Other Punctuation
- “Wait**…**!” (with exclamation)
- “What was that**…**?” (with question)
- “I wonder**…**” (four dots = ellipsis + period)
When NOT to Use Ellipsis
Don’t Overuse
- ❌ “I went to the store… and bought milk… and came home…”
- Too many ellipses can be distracting.
Don’t Change Meaning
When omitting words, don’t change the original meaning:
- Original: “I do not support this policy.”
- Wrong: “I do … support this policy.”
An ellipsis has exactly three dots (…). In fiction, it often signals a trailing thought or hesitation. In formal writing, it marks an omission from a quotation. Do not add a fourth dot for a sentence-ending period — three dots is standard.