How to use an ellipsis | Year 6 English PDF Download

How to use an ellipsis

An ellipsis, a trio of dots, holds significant power in written communication. Let's explore its various applications:

• Omission of Words

  • An ellipsis serves to indicate the omission of words from a quoted text or sentence. This omission can be for brevity, to remove irrelevant information, or to create suspense. For instance:
  • Original: "The group decided to go hiking, have a picnic, and then watch the sunset."
  • With Ellipsis: "The group decided to go hiking... and then watch the sunset."

• Internal Thought or Trail Off

  • When a character's thoughts drift away or a sentence remains incomplete intentionally, an ellipsis proves useful. Consider the following example:
  • Dialogue: "I should have told her... it's too late now."

• Creating Suspense or Emphasis

  • An ellipsis can build tension or emphasize a point by introducing a pause. This can captivate the reader's attention and create a moment of reflection. For example:
  • Sentence: "The treasure was hidden in the old oak tree... waiting to be found."

Ellipses are versatile tools in writing, offering a range of expressions from omission to contemplation. By mastering their use, writers can infuse their narratives with depth and intrigue.