Technically speaking, an ellipsis (…) is a type of punctuation and is commonly referred to as the “dot, dot, dot.” However, writers love to use it as a way to express a pause in dialogue or simply fill dead space. Surprisingly, the ellipsis is popular the world over with children’s book authors because it’s a great way to illustrate, in writing, the broken, sometimes confused speech, of children. So how exactly does it work?
What is Ellipsis?
Ellipsis (ellipses for plural) is a literary device used to represent something intentionally left out, create a pause or break in a sentence or thought. It is represented by three dots (…), never two or four, and indicates an omission of words or a pause in the sentence. It is also used to emphasize a point or in some cases, create suspense.
How to pronounce Ellipsis?
When do writers use Ellipsis?
Writers use an ellipsis when citing sources and need to indicate an omission of words. For example, “According to Professor Dumbledore, Snape told Harry … in order to complete the task.”
In everyday usage and writing, an ellipsis is used to indicate an incomplete thought, a pause in dialogue, or trailing off of a sentence or thought. Example: “Just one sec. I thought I had it …” A versatile form of punctuation dependent on the context in which it is used, an ellipsis may also be used to indicate hesitation, a change of mood, or create suspense.
Fun Fact: Most style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, prefer spaces between each of the dots (. . .)
The Golden Rules of Ellipsis Usage
Use an ellipsis when:
Ellipsis in Literature 📚
When reading literature, the ellipsis is quite common. So common in longer narratives, in fact, you may have read a book or story using the ellipsis and it simply didn’t register. Here are some selections from the greats.
Hamlet, William Shakespeare –
“To the next abstinence: the next more easy;
For use almost can change the stamp of nature,
And either . . . the devil, or throw him out
With wondrous potency. Once more, good night:
And when you are desirous to be bless’d,
I’ll blessing beg of you.
(Act III, Scene IV)
To be fair, the ellipsis in this passage can be a little difficult to decipher as the line really doesn’t make much sense taken out of context. With that being said, it appears that he simply changed his mind and then picked up in the middle of a thought again.
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald –
‘It was-simply amazing,’ she repeated abstractedly. ‘But I swore I wouldn’t tell it and here I am tantalizing you.’ She yawned gracefully in my face. ‘Please come and see me. . . Phone book . . . Under the name of Mrs. Sigourney Howard . . . My aunt . . .‘ She was hurrying off as she talked-her brown hand waved a jaunty salute as she melted into her party at the door.”
In this passage, Fitzgerald’s female character is clearly very distracted. As she speaks with Nick, she seems to be on her way out and is flitting about the apartment, picking up her things so the ellipsis indicates a trailing off as she walks in and out of earshot.
To the Lighthouse, Virginia Wolfe –
“A fellowship, a professorship, he felt capable of anything and saw himself – but what was she looking at? At a man pasting a bill. The vast flapping sheet flattened itself out, and each shove of the brush revealed fresh legs, hoops, horses, glistening reds and blues, beautifully smooth, until half the wall was covered with the advertisement of a circus; a hundred horsemen, twenty performing seals, lions, tigers . . . Craning forwards, for she was short-sighted, she read it out . . . “will visit this town,” she read.”
And as for Wolfe’s narrator, appears to be watching a woman from afar. He is curious as to what she is looking at, but he is too far away to clearly decipher what she is reading aloud. In this case, Wolfe uses ellipses to indicate the woman’s voice fading in and out.
And in Poetry … ✍🏽
The ellipsis is also relatively common in poetry as illustrated here. The difference between longer works and poetry is that in a short poem, that small unit of punctuation packs a punch because it means so much more.
Note how Langston Hughes utilizes the ellipsis in his poem, “Dream Variations.” The ellipsis at the end of each line signifies a dramatic pause as the speaker appears to lapse into thought, contemplating his surroundings.
“To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening . . .
A tall, slim tree . . .
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.”
And in “The Lovesong of Alfred J. Prufrock,” T.S. Elliot’s speaker appears weary. In this passage, the ellipsis is used for dramatic effect almost as if the speaker sighs heavily between words.
“I grow old … I grow old …
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.”
But enough about meaningful punctuation. As this discussion concludes, we leave you with a fun and witty treat.
A Fun Ellipsis Rap … 👥
Not exactly an example of the power of an ellipsis in song lyrics, this short video is both fun and educational. Say, thank you, Mr. MC Hammer!
And now … MC Hammer presents –
FAQ 🤔
What is ellipsis in literature?
Ellipsis is a literary device that involves the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete. It is also represented by a series of three dots (…) indicating such omission or the intentional leaving out of parts of a sentence or event, which gives the reader a chance to fill the gaps through inference.
How does ellipsis enhance a text?
Ellipsis can enhance a text by creating suspense, suggesting characters’ emotions or thoughts, or allowing for a concise and stylistically unique expression. It can make dialogue more realistic, as it mirrors the way people often speak in real life, and it can add layers of meaning, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the text.
Can ellipsis be found in both dialogue and narrative?
Yes, ellipsis can be found in both dialogue and narrative. In dialogue, it replicates natural speech patterns, reflecting pauses, interruptions, or trailing off in thought. In narrative, it can indicate skipped details or events, leaving the reader to infer or imagine what has been omitted, thereby engaging the reader’s imagination or understanding of the characters and plot.
Why do writers use ellipsis?
Writers use ellipsis for several reasons, including to create tension or suspense, to suggest characters’ emotions or unspoken thoughts, to make dialogue appear more authentic, and to achieve brevity or a specific stylistic effect. It’s a versatile tool that can subtly alter the pace and depth of a narrative.
How can I identify ellipsis in a text?
To identify ellipsis in a text, look for sentences that seem incomplete or abruptly shortened, where the context implies the missing words or action. Also, look for the literal ellipsis points (…), which indicate a pause, omission, or unfinished thought. Understanding the context and the characters’ intentions can help decipher the meaning behind the ellipsis.