Ah, the ellipsis… What a strange piece of punctuation… What an enigma…
The ellipsis isn't as cryptic and peculiar as it would like you to believe.
- In creative writing, an ellipsis can be used to show hesitation or indecision, create suspense, or indicate a change in mood. That's exactly what we were doing at the beginning of this section.
- In academic writing, you use the three dots to indicate an omission. When you're quoting someone and want to shorten their statement, plug in the ellipsis wherever you've removed words or sentences.
This second technique can tighten up a quote as well as any corset, but don't lose your integrity with that last exhale. You don't want to misrepresent what someone has said. Ever been served with a lawsuit?
Good, let's keep it that way.