Ellipses

Ellipses (plural of ellipsis) refers to the omission of a word, phrase, or whole section from a text without altering its overall meaning. Represented by a series of three dots (…), it signals a deliberate pause, a trailing thought, or a narrative jump. They often suggest a speaker's hesitation, an incomplete statement, or a shift in tone. ellipses are commonly used in both formal and informal writing to create specific effects, such as adding suspense, mimicking natural speech patterns, or summarizing lengthy material.

Ellipses meaning with examples

• The witness stated, "I saw him… running away from the scene." This ellipsis creates a sense of suspense, leaving the reader to wonder about the missing information and the witness's full statement. It mirrors natural speech, where hesitation is common when recalling details. The incomplete thought creates a sense of mystery and dramatic tension in the narrative.
• The book was a captivating read: "The hero faced many trials… he had to overcome various adversaries… ultimately, he found peace." These ellipses act as narrative shorthand, summarizing key plot points. They condense a longer story, highlighting only the crucial events, and guiding the reader through the storyline efficiently.
• After a long sigh, she finally said, "I… I just don't know what to do." Here, the ellipses express uncertainty and hesitation. The pauses before each "I" reveal the character's struggle, and the incompleteness of the statement mirrors her emotional state, emphasizing her confusion and vulnerability in the conversation.
• The original text was incredibly detailed: "The old house stood on a hill overlooking the valley, its windows reflecting the setting sun… its garden overflowing with vibrant flowers… the air was filled with the scent of lavender." Using ellipses the author condensed to emphasize specific imagery, skipping descriptive details to focus on specific elements.