Using Ellipses to Indicate Omissions

Select the answer choice that correctly uses an ellipsis to omit the underlined words in the sentence. 

We have determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the fire was accidental. 

• We have determined . . . that the fire was accidental.

• We have determined that the fire was accidental. 

• We have determined [. . . ] that the fire was accidental. 

• We have determined. That the fire was accidental.

Which quotation uses an ellipsis correctly to indicate Olive's incomplete thought?  

• “I can't stand . . . Olive."

• “I can’t stand that . . . girl." 

• “I can’t stand          that girl . . ."

• “I can’t stand that girl,” Olive said. “She’s so . . . I hate her.”

What is used to show a pause in dialogue or to show that words or sentences have been left out? (HINT: ...)

• comma

• space

• hyphen

• ellipses

Why are ellipsis used to omit words?

• Helps remove irrelevant information when quoting

• Shows that you have left something out from the quote

A(n) _____ is a series of 3 dots      ( . . .) that is used when omitting a word, phrase, or line, from a quoted passage.

• period

• comma

• dash

• ellipsis

Ellipsis is shown by which symbol?

• ""

• ()

• .

• ...

Choose the option that correctly punctuates dialogue with a trailing off or pause.

• "I'm not sure I can do this..." she whispered.

• "I'm not sure I can do this,"... she whispered.

• "I'm not sure... I can do this," she whispered.

• "I'm not sure...I can do this" she whispered.

"These emotions can transform,... and consequently they have been understood as keys to the dynamics of emotional illness." What do the ellipses indicate?

• quotation

• an unfinished thought

• omitted text from a quotation

Identify the ellipsis rule the following sentence follows: “I forgot all about it,” Jim said. “I just . . . forgot.”

• Shows hesitation.

• Shows omitting (taking out) information.

• Shows a pause. 

In the following sentence, what do the ellipses indicate?

• a question

• an unfinished thought

• omitted text from a quotation

• a pause in speech