How Do You Write An Ellipsis In A Quote: A Punctuation Puzzle

What is an example of an ellipsis in a quote? To clarify, an ellipsis is a punctuation mark (consisting of three dots: …) used to indicate the omission of words or a pause in a sentence. Let’s consider a specific example to better understand its use within a quote:

Original Quote: “A hat should be taken off when you greet a lady and left off for the rest of your life – nothing looks more stupid than a hat.”

With Ellipsis: “A hat should be taken off when you greet a lady and left off […] nothing looks more stupid than a hat.”

In this instance, the ellipsis is employed to omit the words “for the rest of your life” from the original quote while still maintaining the essential meaning of the statement. The ellipsis helps readers focus on the key point that “nothing looks more stupid than a hat” without including unnecessary details about the duration of hat removal.

Ellipsis, when used in a sentence, serves multiple purposes, primarily to indicate a pause in a thought or to build suspense, which occurs when a reader eagerly anticipates what will happen next in the narrative. This technique can be exemplified through the following sentence: “She opened the door, creating a momentary pause in the narrative… and then, to her surprise, she saw… a delicious cake!” Ellipses not only add depth to the storytelling experience but also keep readers engaged by heightening their curiosity about the unfolding events.

Using ellipses in writing, particularly at the beginning and end of quoted sentences, is a topic we’ll delve into further in this third part of our discussion on ellipses. Generally, it’s advisable to avoid using ellipses at the end of a quoted sentence unless they serve a specific purpose in aiding reader comprehension. The majority of prominent style guides concur that, apart from MLA style, ellipses are typically deemed unnecessary when placed at the conclusion of a quoted sentence. In essence, ellipses should be employed judiciously, and this principle aligns with most style guides’ recommendations, emphasizing the importance of clarity and readability in written communication.