Ellipsis - GCSE English Language Definition

An ellipsis in literature is when part of a sentence or story is left out on purpose, allowing the reader to fill in the missing details themselves. Writers use ellipsis to create mystery, tension, or to speed up time by skipping over events. It encourages readers to think about what might have happened without being told directly.

It’s important to know that ellipsis can also refer to the punctuation mark (...) that shows words have been left out, but when talking about it as a literary device, we focus more on the missing information or gaps in the story rather than the punctuation itself.

Definition

An ellipsis is three dots (...) used to show that words have been missed out from a sentence or quotation. It can also show a pause, hesitation, or that a character's speech trails off.

Explanation

The ellipsis is a punctuation mark that consists of three full stops placed together (...). You'll encounter ellipses in many different types of writing, from novels and plays to newspaper articles and academic texts.

When writers use an ellipsis in the middle of a sentence, it usually means they've deliberately left out some words. This happens most often when quoting from other sources. Instead of including every single word from the original text, writers can use an ellipsis to skip the parts that aren't relevant to their point.

In creative writing like novels, short stories, and plays, ellipses work differently. Here, they show natural speech patterns. When someone speaks in real life, they don't always finish their sentences. They might pause to think, get distracted, or simply let their voice fade away. Writers use ellipses to capture these realistic speech moments.

Ellipses can create suspense and tension in writing. When a character's speech suddenly stops with three dots, readers are left wondering what comes next. This technique draws readers in and keeps them engaged.

In dialogue, ellipses often show uncertainty or nervousness. A character might be struggling to find the right words, or they might be too emotional to speak clearly. The three dots help readers understand the character's emotional state without the writer having to explain it directly.

Some writers use ellipses to show the passage of time. The dots can represent a gap between events, suggesting that something has happened without describing it in detail.

It's important not to confuse ellipses with other punctuation marks. Unlike a dash, which shows a sudden break or change in thought, an ellipsis suggests something more gradual. The trailing off effect is gentler and more subtle.

Example

In Shakespeare's "Macbeth", you might see ellipses used in a modern edition when quoting a passage:

"Is this a dagger which I see before me... Come, let me clutch thee."

Here, the ellipsis shows that some words from the original speech have been left out. The full line is actually "Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?" but the ellipsis allows the quotation to focus on the key parts.

In contemporary fiction, you might encounter dialogue like:

"I know I'm to blame – and I'm desperately sorry – but I can't believe – I won't believe – it's simply my fault..." 

This ellipsis shows the character's speech trailing off, perhaps because they're uncertain about what they are saying or because they're feeling uneasy about the thought.

Why do writers use ellipsis?

Writers use ellipses for several practical and creative reasons. Understanding these purposes will help you analyse texts more effectively in your GCSE exams.

One main reason is to save space when quoting sources. Academic writers and journalists often need to reference other texts, but they don't always need every single word. The ellipsis allows them to include only the most relevant parts, whilst still being honest about what they've left out.

In creative writing, ellipses help make dialogue sound more realistic. Real conversations are full of pauses, incomplete thoughts, and trailing sentences. By using ellipses, writers can make their characters sound like real people rather than formal speakers.

Ellipses also create emotional effects. They can build suspense by leaving readers hanging, wondering what comes next. This technique is particularly useful in mystery and thriller genres, where maintaining tension is crucial.

Writers use ellipses to show character emotions indirectly. Instead of writing "Sarah was nervous and couldn't finish her sentence," a writer might show Sarah saying "I think we should... well, maybe we could..." The ellipsis does the emotional work without explicit explanation.

Some writers employ ellipses to suggest deeper meanings. The missing words might be more important than the words that are actually written. Readers are invited to fill in the gaps with their own understanding.

In poetry, ellipses can create rhythm and pacing. They force readers to pause, which can emphasise certain words or ideas that come before or after the dots.

Frequently asked questions

How many dots make an ellipsis?

An ellipsis always consists of exactly three dots (...). Using more or fewer dots is incorrect. Some people mistakenly use multiple dots for emphasis, but this isn't proper punctuation. If an ellipsis comes at the end of a sentence, you might see four dots - the three ellipsis dots plus the full stop that ends the sentence.

What's the difference between an ellipsis and a dash?

An ellipsis (...) shows a gradual trailing off or missing words, whilst a dash (–) shows a sudden break or interruption in thought. Ellipses suggest something gentle or hesitant, while dashes are more abrupt and dramatic. For example: "I was thinking that maybe we could..." (ellipsis shows uncertainty) versus "I was thinking that maybe we could – no, that's a terrible idea" (dash shows sudden change of mind).

Can I use ellipses in my own GCSE writing?

Yes, you can use ellipses in creative writing tasks, but use them sparingly and purposefully. They work well in dialogue to show realistic speech patterns or in narrative to create suspense. However, avoid overusing them, as this can make your writing seem unclear or incomplete. In analytical essays, you're more likely to use ellipses when quoting from texts to show where you've omitted words.

How do I type an ellipsis correctly?

Most word processors will automatically create a proper ellipsis when you type three full stops in a row. However, technically, an ellipsis should be a single character with specific spacing, not just three separate dots. In formal writing or publishing, this distinction matters, but for GCSE work, using three dots typed together is perfectly acceptable.

Are ellipses used differently in different types of writing?

Yes, ellipses serve different purposes depending on the type of text. In academic writing, they mainly show omitted words from quotations. In creative writing, they represent speech patterns, pauses, and emotional states. In journalism, they're often used to shorten quotes whilst maintaining accuracy. Understanding these different uses will help you analyse how writers employ ellipses for specific effects in the texts you study.

Related glossaries

Dramatic Monologue

Dialogue

End-Stopped Line

Rhythm

Related revision notes

Macbeth

An Inspector Calls