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Ellipsis

What is Ellipsis? – Definition

An ellipsis is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (…) used to indicate an omission, a pause, or a trailing off in thought. It’s not meant to be read literally but helps to create a specific effect or convey a particular tone.

Ellipsis

Generated Ellipsis Examples

Ellipsis Examples

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Examples of Ellipses

  • question_mark I couldn’t believe it, and then… edit content_copy
  • mic She wanted to speak, but… edit content_copy
  • lightbulb The lights flickered, and suddenly… edit content_copy
  • directions_run He turned to leave, but then… edit content_copy
  • priority_high The moment felt urgent, and then… edit content_copy
  • visibility She was watching closely when… edit content_copy
  • hearing I heard a noise, and then… edit content_copy
  • error_outline He realized his mistake, but… edit content_copy
  • event The event was about to start when… edit content_copy
  • help I wanted to help, but… edit content_copy
  • emoji_people They were waiting for someone, but… edit content_copy
  • psychology He was deep in thought when… edit content_copy
  • local_hospital The doctor arrived just in time, but… edit content_copy
  • cloud The clouds parted, revealing… edit content_copy
  • group The group hesitated before deciding… edit content_copy
  • pets The dog barked and then… edit content_copy
  • sentiment_satisfied He smiled and said… edit content_copy
  • fireplace The fire crackled softly as… edit content_copy
  • hourglass_bottom Time seemed to slow as… edit content_copy
  • construction The work was unfinished, but… edit content_copy
  • auto_stories She was reading the story when… edit content_copy
  • movie The movie reached its climax, and then… edit content_copy
  • spa The peaceful moment was interrupted when… edit content_copy
  • thumb_up She gave her approval, but then… edit content_copy
  • notifications The notification came, and then… edit content_copy
  • sports The game was tied when suddenly… edit content_copy
  • shopping_cart She was at the checkout counter, and then… edit content_copy
  • celebration The celebration was about to begin when… edit content_copy
  • explore The explorer ventured deeper into the cave and… edit content_copy
  • cleaning_services She was cleaning the house when… edit content_copy

Types of Ellipsis

Nominal Ellipsis

Omits a noun in a noun phrase, with the remaining context making the meaning clear.

  • check_circle Some prefer apples, but I prefer [bananas]. edit content_copy
  • check_circle I have three books; she has two [books]. edit content_copy
  • check_circle This dress is red, and that one [dress] is blue. edit content_copy
  • check_circle I’ll take the chocolate cookies, not the vanilla [cookies]. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Some enjoy parties; others [people] prefer solitude. edit content_copy

Verbal Ellipsis

Omits a verb or part of a verb phrase when the meaning is clear from the context.

  • check_circle She can sing, and he can [sing] too. edit content_copy
  • check_circle I will go if you [go]. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They might have left earlier than we [left]. edit content_copy
  • check_circle He was playing chess, and she [was playing] cards. edit content_copy
  • check_circle You should work harder than you currently [work]. edit content_copy

Clausal Ellipsis

Omits part or all of a clause while relying on the remaining text to convey the meaning.

  • check_circle I love pizza, but not [I love] burgers. edit content_copy
  • check_circle She said she would come, but she didn’t [come]. edit content_copy
  • check_circle If you need help, let me know; if not [if you don’t need help], I’ll leave. edit content_copy
  • check_circle He wanted to visit Paris, and she [wanted to visit] London. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Do you prefer tea or [do you prefer] coffee? edit content_copy

Gapping

Omits repeated words in coordinated clauses, often leaving gaps that are filled by context.

  • check_circle John ordered pizza, and Mary [ordered] pasta. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Peter likes tennis; Susan [likes] basketball. edit content_copy
  • check_circle I bought apples; you [bought] oranges. edit content_copy
  • check_circle He plays guitar, and she [plays] violin. edit content_copy
  • check_circle I went to the market, and Sarah [went] to the park. edit content_copy

Situational Ellipsis

Omits words commonly understood in a given situation or context.

  • check_circle (At a restaurant) “One coffee, please.” [I would like one coffee.] edit content_copy
  • check_circle (During a roll call) “Present.” [I am present.] edit content_copy
  • check_circle (In a conversation) “Ready to leave?” [Are you ready to leave?] edit content_copy
  • check_circle (At a cashier) “Card or cash?” [Will you pay with a card or cash?] edit content_copy
  • check_circle (On a phone call) “Speaking.” [This is the person speaking.] edit content_copy

How to Identify/Find Ellipsis?

To identify ellipsis, look for missing parts of a sentence where the meaning is still clear from the context. Ellipsis often simplifies communication or creates dramatic pauses for emphasis.

  • search Look for sentences with missing elements but a clear meaning.
  • highlight Identify pauses or omissions that imply additional words or ideas.
  • compare_arrows Check if the omission avoids redundancy in repeated ideas.
  • visibility Notice pauses that create suspense or emotional emphasis.
  • layers Look for ellipsis that enhances conversational flow or dramatic effect.

How to Use Ellipsis?

Use ellipsis to create natural pauses, emphasize key points, or avoid unnecessary repetition. Ensure your ellipsis fits the context and enhances clarity or dramatic effect without causing confusion.

  • edit Use ellipsis to omit redundant parts of a sentence.
  • lightbulb Add pauses to build suspense or focus on key ideas.
  • create Use ellipsis sparingly to maintain its effectiveness.
  • visibility_off Ensure the missing elements are implied and understandable.
  • done Integrate ellipsis naturally to enhance readability and tone.

Other Ellipsis Examples

Ellipsis in Daily Life

Ellipsis often appears in everyday conversations and informal contexts to make communication concise.

  • check_circle “Want coffee?” instead of “Do you want coffee?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Going out?” instead of “Are you going out?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Need help?” instead of “Do you need help?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Coming with us?” instead of “Are you coming with us?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Any questions?” instead of “Do you have any questions?” edit content_copy

Ellipsis in Poetry

Ellipsis in poetry is used to create rhythm, mystery, or leave parts of the imagery open to interpretation.

  • check_circle “I wandered lonely as a cloud… among the hills and valleys.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Through the woods… silence lingered.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “The stars were shining… above the misty mountains.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Love lost… in the whisper of the wind.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “The dawn… breaking the night.” edit content_copy

Ellipsis in Real Life

Ellipsis naturally occurs in spoken language to save time and simplify communication.

  • check_circle “Want a ride?” instead of “Do you want a ride?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Got it?” instead of “Did you get it?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Heading out?” instead of “Are you heading out?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Dinner at 7?” instead of “Is dinner at 7?” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “See you later?” instead of “Will I see you later?” edit content_copy

Ellipsis in Literature

Authors use ellipsis to create dramatic pauses or leave certain ideas for the reader’s interpretation.

  • check_circle “To be, or not to be… that is the question.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “It was the best of times… it was the worst of times.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “She was gone… vanished into the night.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “The truth is… I never cared.” edit content_copy
  • check_circle “And then… silence.” edit content_copy

Ellipsis in Movies

Ellipsis in movies often occurs through dialogue, allowing for natural pacing and emphasis.

  • check_circle “I’ll be back…” – Terminator edit content_copy
  • check_circle “Frankly, my dear… I don’t give a damn.” – Gone with the Wind edit content_copy
  • check_circle “With great power… comes great responsibility.” – Spider-Man edit content_copy
  • check_circle “May the Force be with you… always.” – Star Wars edit content_copy
  • check_circle “To infinity… and beyond!” – Toy Story edit content_copy

Explore Other Literary Devices

emoji_objects Allegory format_quote Alliteration insert_comment Allusion swap_horiz Analogy repeat Anaphora info Anecdote whatshot Antagonist arrow_forward Antecedent swap_vert Antithesis star Archetype music_note Assonance beenhere Cliché record_voice_over Colloquialism verified Content Validity edit Context launch Deus ex Machina language Diction music_off Dissonance loop Double Entendre clear Double Negative comment Epigram input Epilogue repeat_one Epistrophe badge Epithet healing Euphemism event_note Exposition warning Fallacy brush Figurative Language gesture Figure of Speech history Flashback face Foil Character block Gaslighting gesture Gerund gesture Gerund Phrase note Haiku warning Hamartia flash_on Hyperbole gesture Idiom image Imagery sentiment_neutral Irony code Jargon compare_arrows Juxtaposition music_note Limerick thumb_down Litotes favorite_border Love Language directions Metonymy sentiment_neutral Mood pattern Motif compare Non sequiturs music_note Onomatopoeia sports_martial_arts Oxymoron speed Pacing autorenew Paradox swap_calls Parallel Structure repeat Parallelism sentiment_satisfied Pathos sync Peripeteia person Persona emoji_nature Personification timeline Plot visibility Point of View campaign Propaganda person_outline Protagonist tag_faces Pun repeat_one Repetition forum Rhetorical Context emoji_emotions Rizz mood_bad Sarcasm sentiment_dissatisfied Satire place Setting gesture Simile gesture Metaphor subject Simple Subject record_voice_over Soliloquy music_video Story Beat subtitles Subplot textsms Subtext gesture Symbolism directions_boat Synecdoche style Theme volume_up Tone

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an ellipsis?

    An ellipsis is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (…) used to indicate an omission of words, a pause, or an unfinished thought.

  • When should I use an ellipsis?

    Ellipsis are used in writing to show omissions in quotes, create pauses for dramatic effect, or indicate that a thought or sentence trails off.

  • What are the rules for using ellipsis?

    When using ellipsis, ensure they consist of three dots (…). Use them to omit parts of a quote without altering its meaning or to add stylistic pauses in your writing.

  • Can an ellipsis be used at the beginning or end of a sentence?

    Yes, ellipses can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence to indicate a pause, hesitation, or omission, but ensure the context makes their use clear.

  • What is the difference between ellipses and a dash?

    Ellipses indicate omission or trailing off, while a dash (—) is used to emphasize a sudden break or interruption in a sentence.

  • Are ellipses acceptable in formal writing?

    Ellipses are acceptable in formal writing for omissions in quotes. However, their use for pauses or unfinished thoughts is typically more common in informal writing.

  • Can ellipses change the meaning of a sentence?

    Yes, if used improperly, ellipses can alter the intended meaning of a sentence, especially in quotes, so their use should be careful and contextually appropriate.

  • How do ellipses function in dialogue?

    In dialogue, ellipses indicate hesitation, trailing off, or an emotional pause, helping convey a character’s tone or state of mind.

  • Can ellipses be overused?

    Yes, overusing ellipses can make writing appear disjointed or overly casual. Use them sparingly and only when necessary for clarity or stylistic effect.

  • Do different languages use ellipses differently?

    Yes, while ellipses are commonly used across languages, their placement, spacing, and frequency may vary depending on cultural and grammatical conventions.