Page 481

Ellipsis

An ellipsis (three periods) is used to show a pause in dialogue or to show that words or sentences have been left out. (Leave one space before, between, and after the periods.)

481.1 To Show a Pause

An ellipsis is used to show a pause in dialogue.

“My report,” said Jimar, “is on . . . um . . . cars of the future. One website that I . . . um . . . found online said that cars would someday run on sunshine. I mean . . . is this . . . a plot to keep teenage drivers home at night?”

481.2 To Show Omitted Words

An ellipsis can be used to show that one or more words have been left out of a quotation. (Read this excerpt from a report.)

The Arctic ice cap is shrinking fast. Most scientists agree that this is happening because of climate change. Heat-trapping gases, called greenhouse gases, are emitted into the atmosphere and raise the temperatures at the North Pole.