Wait for it… Punctuating a Pause with an ellipsis, Dash, and comma - , …

Essential Question: How do I Punctuate a Pause? - , … Wait for it…

Which punctuation mark shows a Pause? A. … the Ellipsis B. — the Dash C. , the Comma

ALL OF THEM! , the Comma … the Ellipsis — the Dash The ellipsis, dash and comma all show a pause.

… the Ellipsis a mark indicating a longer pause or an intentional pause; an ellipsis consists of three periods, with a space before and after if it’s being used within a sentence. An ellipsis used at the end of a sentence consists of four periods (three ellipsis points and one period). Example: “When I was younger… how old was I? about 10?... I used to believe in Santa.”

What does an ellipsis add to the text? An ellipsis can add suspense to a narrative or personality to dialogue. “When I was younger… how old was I? about 10?... I used to believe in Santa.” In order to find out what the mark adds to the text, compare the sentence as it is with the mark to the sentence without the mark.

— the Dash More accurately known as the em-dash a mark used to show a sudden break in thought. Example: “We don't know where —or how — the problem began.”

What does a dash add to the text? A dash adds emphasis, clarification, or extra sudden information. “We don't know where —or how — the problem began.”

, the Comma a mark indicating a short, natural pause Example: “My best friend, Mercedes, is a great seamstress.”

What does a comma add to the text? A comma helps the reader understand what he is reading. Commas alert the reader to a list, a conjunction, a dependent clause, or other reason to pause. “My best friend, Mercedes, is a great seamstress.”

Take a Minute. Discuss the differences: … the Ellipsis- a mark indicating a pause or an omission Example– “When I was younger… how old was I? about 10?... I used to believe in Santa.” — the Dash- a mark used to show a sudden break in thought Example- “We don't know where—or how—the problem began.” , the Comma- a mark indicating a short, natural pause Example- “My best friend, Mercedes, is a great seamstress.”

Which fits best? Millie began to think ________ maybe Dan wasn’t who he said he was_________ Maybe Dan was in on the burglary_______

Answer: the ellipsis Millie began to think … maybe Dan wasn’t who he said he was … Maybe Dan was in on the burglary ….

Which fits best? “Right before I went to Cancun____________ I celebrated my twentieth birthday.”

“Right before I went to Cancun, I celebrated my Answer: the comma “Right before I went to Cancun, I celebrated my twentieth birthday.”

The onyx is a perfect gem_________ solid, smooth, and beautiful. Which fits best? The onyx is a perfect gem_________ solid, smooth, and beautiful.

The onyx is a perfect gem- solid, smooth, and beautiful. Answer: the dash The onyx is a perfect gem- solid, smooth, and beautiful.

the dash Vs. the ellipsis Vs. The Comma Say the following sentences aloud to your partner. How are they different? Write a short explanation. “Wait- I need help!” “Wait… I need help!” “Helen, I need your help.”

the dash Vs. the ellipsis Vs. The Comma The length and significance of the pause: “Wait- I need help!” The dash adds short pause and clarification. “Wait… I need help!” The ellipsis adds a long pause and suspense. “Helen, I need your help.” The comma adds a shorter pause) direction to the reader to take a short pause.

These are similar sentences. Why is the punctuation different? I am tired of washing your dishes, sweeping your floor, and cooking your food. I am tired of washing your dishes, sweeping your floor and… being your servant.

Different Pauses A comma is used for pauses in a sentence. In this sentence, a pause is needed after each item listed. I am tired of washing your dishes, sweeping your floor, and cooking your food. An ellipsis is used for a dramatic pause. In this sentence, a dramatic pause is needed as the speaker searches for the right word. I am tired of washing your dishes, sweeping your floor and… being your servant.

How do I determine which punctuation mark to use for a pause? Read the sentence (and all surrounding sentences) to make sure you completely understand what the author is trying to convey. Try reading the sentence with each: an ellipsis, a dash and a comma. If there is a need for a longer, intentional pause, use an ellipsis. If there is a sudden break in thought, use a dash. If a short pause is needed to help the reader read the text, use a comma. Once you know what the sentence means, you will be able to pick the best mark.

Jot Down the Best Answer … , - “It looks like a real of__________ oh no!” “You have the right to remain_________look out!” Please grab your lacrosse stick______your jersey and your cleats_____ and meet me on the field in ten minutes. He grabbed the ping pong paddle________swung it at me________ and I ducked. Ghosts gathered______ goblins arrived_____ witches descended. I hope to become the chairman_______earn a lot of money_______and give back to my community. Please help me_______ please get help_______ I didn’t mean to cause this explosion. Think back to the moment you found out that you were royalty_______ In that moment_______ in that moment_______ did you think it was a bad thing? “I think I can step on this rock to get to ______ help!”

Discuss the Answers: 1. DASH 2. DASH 3. COMMA 4. COMMA 5. ELLIPSIS 6. COMMA 7. ELLIPSIS 8. ELLIPSIS 9. DASH “It looks like a real of- oh no!” “You have the right to remain- look out!” Please grab your lacrosse stick, your jersey and your cleats, and meet me on the field in ten minutes. He grabbed the ping pong paddle, swung it at me, and I ducked. Ghosts gathered… goblins arrived… witches descended. I hope to become the chairman, earn a lot of money, and give back to my community. Please help me… please get help… I didn’t mean to cause this explosion. Think back to the moment you found out that you were royalty… In that moment… in that moment… did you think it was a bad thing? “I think I can step on this rock to get to – help!”