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Ellipsis
An ellipsis (three spaced periods) is used to show omitted words or sentences and to indicate a pause in dialogue.
Tip When writing an ellipsis, leave one space before, after, and between each period. On a computer, your software may automatically change three dots without spaces to an ellipsis. In that case, leave out the spaces.
To Show Omitted Words |
Use an ellipsis to show that one or more words have been left out of a quotation. Complete Quotation: “Jellyfish have no bones or brains. They are 95 percent water. Their insides hold a thick layer of jellylike stuff.” Shortened Quotation: “Jellyfish . . . are 95 percent water. Their insides hold a thick layer of jellylike stuff.” |
At the End
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If the words left out are at the end of a sentence, use a period followed by an ellipsis. |