An ellipsis is a set of three periods ( . . . ) indicating an omission. Each period should have a single space on either side, except when adjacent to a quotation mark, in which case there should be no space.
Informal Writing
In informal writing, an ellipsis can be used to represent a trailing off of thought.
Example:
I was thinking that maybe we could . . . but then again, who knows?
An ellipsis can also indicate hesitation, although this usage is more accurately described as suspension points.
Example:
I mean, I just thought . . . well, it’s not important . . . you get the idea.
Note: Like the exclamation point, the ellipsis is at risk of overuse.
In Quoted Material
Ellipses are particularly useful when working with quoted material. There are various acceptable methods for using ellipses in professional and scholarly writing.
Original Passage Example:
In her book A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf discusses the challenges women face in literature:
“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
Ellipses at the Beginning of a Quotation
It is rarely necessary to use ellipsis points at the beginning of a quotation, even if it begins mid-sentence. It is generally acceptable to change the capitalization of the first word of the quotation to match the surrounding material.
Example:
Woolf argues that “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
Incorrect Example:
Woolf argues that “. . . a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
Quotations Placed in the Middle of a Sentence
When a quotation is included within a larger sentence, do not use ellipsis points at the beginning or end of the quoted material, even if part of the original sentence has been omitted.
Correct Example:
In A Room of One’s Own, Woolf asserts that “a woman must have money and a room of her own.”
Incorrect Example:
In A Room of One’s Own, Woolf asserts that “. . . a woman must have money and a room of her own . . . .”
Quotations Placed at the End of a Sentence
When a quotation is placed at the end of a sentence but the quoted material is only part of a larger sentence, authorities differ on using ellipsis points.
Chicago Style Example:
Woolf states, “a woman must have money and a room of her own.”
MLA Style Example:
Woolf states, “a woman must have money and a room of her own . . . .”
When using MLA-style parenthetical references, the sentence-terminating period is placed outside the parenthetical reference.
Example:
Woolf states, “a woman must have money and a room of her own . . .” (23).
Ellipses for Omitted Material within a Single Quoted Sentence
Use ellipsis points to show omission within the quotation. Omit any punctuation on either side of the ellipsis, unless punctuation is necessary to maintain grammatical correctness.
Example:
“I learned this . . . that if one wants to succeed, . . . determination is key.”
Ellipses for Omitted Material Spanning Two or More Sentences
When a quotation consists of material from two or more original sentences, ellipses should be used for all omitted segments.
Example:
The author writes, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it. . . . Success is just around the corner.”
When quoted material is presented as multiple sentences, four dots should be used for omissions between two original sentences; three dots should be used for omissions within a single original sentence.
Example:
The author explains, “To succeed, one must believe in oneself. . . . Confidence is vital . . . . Only then can one truly achieve greatness.”