(...) ELLIPSES

An elLipsis (plural: eLlipses)

(Pol. wielokropek)

(...) An ellipsis is a series of three dots used to in­di­cate an omis­sion in quoted material or long pauses, especially in dialogue.

In quotations, use ellipses to show where words have been omitted. Ellipses can be used in the middle of a quote to shorten it, or at the end of a partial quote to indicate that it continues. If the ellipses come at the end of a sentence, use a fourth dot to serve as an end mark (full stop).

Ellipses are also used to indicate a pause or hesitation.

The rules for inserting ellipses into text depend on the style guide used. In some styles they are put in parenthesis, in others without them. What is important to remember is that an ellipsis should be considered a ‘unit’ of punctuation; therefore, the three (or four) dots must always be kept together. In a Word document in can insert it from the symbols list or you can use a keyboard shortcut. To check how to do it, go to BUTTERICK’S PRACTICAL TYPOGRAPHY.