Ellipsis and Dash Language Arts

What is the Ellipsis? The ellipsis (…) is a form of punctuation used in written English language. Note:     Ellipsis is the singular form of the word, meaning one. Ellipses is the plural form of the word, meaning more than one ellipsis. The ellipsis is also known to some as dot-dot- dot because it consists of three periods, or dots, in a row.

Objective Define ellipsis Learn and understand when to use ellipses in writing. 

When to use an Ellipsis: Rule 1 Use an ellipsis to show an omission, or leaving out, of a word or words in a quote. Use ellipses to shorten the quote without changing the meaning. For example: "After school I went to her house, which was a few blocks away, and then came home.“ Shorten the quote by replacing a few words with an ellipsis. Remember, the meaning of the quote should not change. "After school I went to her house … and then came home.“ We removed the words "which was a few blocks away" and replaced them with an ellipsis without changing the meaning of the original quote. 

Rule 2: Use an ellipsis to show a pause in a thought or to create suspense. (Suspense is when a reader is excited to know what is going to happen next.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntTaR0khmco Examples:     She opened the door . . . and saw . . . a cake! I was thinking . . . maybe we should call home. This use of ellipses is very common in informal (friendly) letters and emails.

Rule 3: Use an ellipsis to show a break, or trailing off, of a thought. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcu6z1IO-A8 Examples:     I know I saw my keys somewhere . . . "I'm not sure what to do . . .," he said. I never thought . . .      

TO remember…. If the ellipsis is used to replace words at the end of a sentence, it should be followed by a period (.), question mark (?) or exclamation point (!) to end the sentence.

Ellipsis and a period Use an ellipsis with a period to shorten a quote. If the ellipsis is followed by a period, then you will have 4 dots. For example: She said, "I like apples, oranges and bananas because they are all fruits." She said, "I like apples, oranges and bananas … ."

Ellipsis and a question mark Use an ellipsis with a question mark after a trailing thought. Examples: Why would he do that . . . ? Where is she . . . ?

Ellipsis and an exclamation point Use an ellipsis with an exclamation point to show excitement after a pause. Examples: Wow . . .! I cannot believe you did that . . .!

Overview In summary, the ellipsis is a form of punctuation used in writing the English language. It can be used to show an omission, to show a pause or create suspense, or to show a break in a thought. An ellipsis is made by using three periods in a row. http://www.really-learn-english.com/ellipsis.html

Practice Rewrite each sentence below omitting text and using an ellipsis. 1. We were cautioned by the 8th grade World History teacher Mrs. Petersen not to run in the halls. 2. The important point to make, and I cannot say it too often, is that music and art are important factors in a culture.

Practice: Omitting Text Below is another passage from President Kennedy’s speech. Write two sentences quoting the passage and using an ellipsis. Passage 1: We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights towhich this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Practice: Ellipsis with a pause Rewrite each sentence below using an ellipsis. 1. I thought the party was nice. 2. Otto said, “There’s nothing inside.” 3. The dog looked at the large cat and then looked away. 4. “I want,” Stacy said, dreamily.

Dash rule #1: Use a dash to indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech or unfinished statement of question. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PP4_F9dK dI Example: I simply cannot understand- Gerald, are you listening to me?-why the O’Tooles refuse to trim those trees.

Rule #2 Use a dash to indicate namely, that is, or in other words, or to otherwise introduce an explanation. Example: Irene is perfect of the part- the subtle yet powerful energy she exudes will transform the production.

Another way to think about it….. In writing dialogue, the dash is used to show breaks in thought and shifts in tone: Example: "How many times have I asked you not to —" Jason suddenly stopped talking and looked out the window. "Not to — Oh heck, I forget!"

Look at a sample: This is taken from the novel, The Running Dream. Read through the first page and answer the following questions. What rule matches the use of the dash? Of the ellipsis? What impact does it have on the writing?