What's an Ellipsis? Definition Explained

Learn the definition of ellipsis in English.

An ellipsis is a set of three dots (…) used in writing to indicate that a sentence or thought is trailing off, or that a portion of the text has been omitted. Despite its frequent appearance in texts, many people do not know its name or proper usage.

The ellipsis can serve various purposes in writing:

• Indicating Omitted Text: In formal writing, ellipses are used to show that a portion of a quoted text has been omitted for brevity. For example, "The report stated, 'The results were inconclusive…further research is needed.'".
• Creating Suspense or Pauses: In creative writing, an ellipsis can be used to create suspense or indicate a pause. For example, "I was thinking... maybe we should take a different approach.".
• Trailing Off Thoughts: When a speaker or writer wants to suggest that their thoughts are trailing off or incomplete, they use an ellipsis. For instance, "I thought I knew what I wanted, but now I'm not so sure…".

Understanding the use of ellipses can enhance your writing by allowing you to convey pauses, suspense, and omitted information more effectively. It's a simple yet powerful tool in English grammar that adds depth and nuance to your communication.

So, the next time you see those three little dots, you'll know they are called an ellipsis, and you'll understand the subtle messages they can convey in a sentence. Practice using ellipses in your writing to become more adept at English and enhance your written expression.