Using an Ellipsis the Right Way

The ellipsis is probably the most misunderstood punctuation mark in the history of the world Here’s how to use it properly.

The right time to use an ellipsis is when you don’t want to repeat yourself.

If you’re unsure of what ellipsis are, they are those three little dots that so many people use to complete sentences instead of a period. It’s the wrong way to end an sentence. There is only one way to end a sentence, and that is a big, fat full stop!

Why do people use these little dots so frequently and incorrectly?

I suspect some are trying to impart emotion or a sense of mystery to the reader. The only problem with that is that ellipsis is not intended to impart emotion or mystery.

An ellipsis indicates that the reader will already be familiar with the missing information so the writer doesn’t have to write it again. It’s a form of politeness not to waste the reader’s time.

This is me standing next to the Tijuana sign that says ‘Welcome to Mexico.”

The ‘sentence’ below is typical of much on the internet today.

“I stood there….the sun was shining…I gave John the key…the snow came suddenly…we rushed into the house…”

The correct punctuation would be periods at the end of each sentence. Using an ellipsis would indicate that…