Decide whether ellipses are used appropriately
Key Notes:
| What is an Ellipsis (…) ? |
🔹 An ellipsis is a set of three dots ( … ) used in writing to show that something has been left out or there is a pause in thought or speech.
👉 Example:
- “I was thinking… maybe we should go.”
| Main Uses of Ellipses |
1️⃣ To Show Omission in a Quotation
When you leave out words in a quote to make it shorter or focus on key parts.
✅ Example:
- Original: “The teacher said that learning grammar is important for clear communication.”
- With Ellipsis: “The teacher said… grammar is important.”
2️⃣ To Show a Pause or Hesitation
Used in informal writing or dialogue to show a speaker trailing off or pausing.
✅ Example:
- “I just thought… maybe you’d like to join us?”
3️⃣ To Indicate an Incomplete Thought
Shows that the sentence is intentionally left unfinished.
✅ Example:
- “If only I had known…”
| When Ellipses Are Used Inappropriately |
❌ When too many ellipses are used unnecessarily.
❌ When ellipses are used in place of commas, periods, or other punctuation.
❌ When they make the sentence confusing instead of clear.
🧩 Example of incorrect use:
- “She… went… to the… store…” (❌ unnecessary and confusing)
✅ Correct:
- “She went to the store.”
| Tips to Use Ellipses Correctly |
💡 Use only three dots ( … ), not more or less.
💡 Keep the meaning of the sentence clear even when something is omitted.
💡 Use them sparingly to maintain smooth reading.
💡 In formal writing, always ensure the omission doesn’t change the original meaning.
| Quick Check: Are Ellipses Used Appropriately? |
Ask yourself:
- 🤔 Does the ellipsis show an omission, pause, or unfinished thought?
- 🧩 Is the sentence still clear and meaningful?
- 🚫 Is it replacing punctuation unnecessarily?
If “Yes” to #1 and “No” to #3 — ✅ it’s used appropriately!
| Examples to Practice |
✔️ Appropriate:
- “I don’t know… maybe it’s true.”
- “He said the project was… interesting.”
- “The report stated that… the results were unexpected.”
❌ Inappropriate:
- “I…like…to…read…”
- “The teacher… told us…” (missing clear meaning)
| Summary: |
Ellipses (…) are powerful punctuation marks that show omission, pause, or unfinished thought. Use them carefully to keep your writing smooth, clear, and expressive
let’s practice! 🖊️
Read this text.
Space Invaders, an arcade game imported from Japan, is now considered one of the most influential video games of all time.
Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
‘Space Invaders . . . considered one of the most influential video games of all time.’
Results
#1. Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
Read this text.
In 1842, Czar Nicholas I hired George Washington Whistler—an American builder, draftsman, engineer, and soldier—to build the Moscow–St. Petersburg railway.
Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
‘In 1842, Czar Nicholas I hired George Washington Whistler . . . to build the Moscow–St. Petersburg railway.’
Results
#1. Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
Read this text.
Fufu is a staple Ghanaian food made from the pulp of cassava and plantain mashed together and served in a bowl of spicy soup.
Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
‘Fufu is a staple Ghanaian food . . . served in a bowl of spicy soup.’
Results
#1. Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
Read this text.
The Titanic wreckage was surveyed by Alvin, which is the oldest and most well-known deep-sea research vehicle.
Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
‘The Titanic wreckage . . . is the oldest and most well-known deep-sea research vehicle.’
Results
#1. Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
Read this text.
The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a phenomenon associated with fluctuating ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The warm phase of the cycle results in increased precipitation in parts of South America.
Is this an appropriate use of an ellipsis?
‘The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a phenomenon associated with fluctuating ocean temperatures . . . in parts of South America.’