ellipsis

Everyday

1. The punctuation mark of three dots (…) that shows words are missing or that a sentence trails off. tree →
2. (grammar) Leaving out words that are understood, as in «I can swim and so can Tom» (swim is left out). tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons the ellipsis builds suspense in stories («She opened the door slowly…») or shows a pause or unfinished thought. In quotes it marks words cut out. Phrases: «use an ellipsis», «end with an ellipsis».

Examples

• She opened the box and saw… nothing! tree →
• Use an ellipsis to make the reader wait. tree →
• «Well… I'm not sure,» said Max. tree →
• The writer used an ellipsis to leave out part of the quote. tree →
• Don't put four dots — an ellipsis has three. tree →
• «Want some?» «Yes, please» is an example of ellipsis. tree →

Note

Plural: ellipses (el-IP-seez). Always three dots, not two or five. Do not confuse with «ellipse», an oval shape in maths.