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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Ellipsis
Is there a specific way in which one must use ellipsis?
Wait...don't go.
Wait ... don't go.
The first one has no gaps. The second one has gaps after 'wait' and before 'don't.'
Or, is there another format altogether?
Wait...don't go.
Wait ... don't go.
The first one has no gaps. The second one has gaps after 'wait' and before 'don't.'
Or, is there another format altogether?
Top answer
I was taught that there should be no gaps, but some style guides say there should be. Ask your instructor for his preference. An ellipsis represent the omission of words or letters, so I suppose that the logical thing to do is pretend that the words or letters are there and then space it to suit.
- I was taught that there should be no gaps, but some style guides say there should be.
- Ask your instructor for his preference.
- An ellipsis represent the omission of words or letters, so I suppose that the logical thing to do is pretend that the words or letters are there and then space it to suit.
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5 Answers
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I was taught that there should be no gaps, but some style guides say there should be. Ask your instructor for his preference. An ellipsis represent the omission of words or letters, so I suppose that the logical thing to do is pretend that the words or letters are there and then space it to suit.
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Thank you, Mr. M. There are others who say four dots are necessary (period followed by ellipsis) in case it is a complete sentence. Example: Wait a second. ... I'll be there. (or) He rubbed his chin. ...
I find four dots extremely weird. Is this a standard rule or is it just a matter of style?
I find four dots extremely weird. Is this a standard rule or is it just a matter of style?
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I agree that it does look a bit weird, but you do need the period.
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Thank you, Mr. M. What about ellipsis in dialogue?
For example, if a person is trailing off and yet the sentence happens to be complete.
Linda said, "I am fine...."
"I am fine" is a complete sentence. Do we therefore need four dots in this case, one right after 'fine' is the period and the other three is the ellipsis?
For example, if a person is trailing off and yet the sentence happens to be complete.
Linda said, "I am fine...."
"I am fine" is a complete sentence. Do we therefore need four dots in this case, one right after 'fine' is the period and the other three is the ellipsis?
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Using an ellipsis for an utterance that is trailing off is common in creative writing but is not acceptable in any formal writing; it is a misuse of that punctuation mark.
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