@madiganmade (aka Madigan) mused: @madincrafts I have a grammar ? for you: ellipsis… I know I overuse them and others are likely guilty, too. Poss topic?
We’ve all got one: that perky friend or co-worker who punctuates her emails using nothing but ellipsis points.
“So… I was wondering… do you think that you could pick up my kids from soccer…. They will be done around 5… And then you could take them to McDonald’s…or Wendy’s…K…Thanks”
((OCD grammar shudder))
I am not sure when the ellipsis point became punctuation de jour, but I do know that things have gotten WAY out of hand. It’s time to set some boundaries.
WHAT IS AN ELLIPSIS POINT AND HOW DO I TYPE IT?
Ellipsis points are the dot-dot-dots used to show omission of text or faltering speech.
When typing, remember that an ellipsis point is like a woman going to a public bathroom – never alone. If ellipsis points are used in the middle of a sentence, they consist of a series of three dots in a row. If the ellipsis points fall at the end of a sentence, they consist of three ellipsis points and a period (which comes out looking like 4 dots).
“I pledge allegiance to the flag… with liberty and justice for all.”
“Oh, say can you see….”
I found a few differences in opinion on how to properly type ellipsis points. I had always been taught to just type three periods in a row (…), but most online style guides recommended typing a space between each point ( . . . ).
ELLIPSIS TO SHOW MISSING WORDS
This is the function of ellipsis points that you were taught in high school and college. When quoting a source, writers often need to remove some words for the sake of brevity.
When those words are removed, ellipsis points show the reader that the words have been cut. (See the Pledge of Allegiance example above.) For honesty’s sake, writers must never remove words that alter or reverse the original meaning of the quotation.
Original quote: “I would be lying if I said that Gigli was the best movie I ever saw.”
Dishonest use of ellipsis: “…Gigli was the best movie I ever saw.”
ELLIPSIS FOR STYLE
Ellipsis points aren’t all doctoral theses and dusty libraries. A secondary function of these little guys is to add panache to your writing, especially in dialogue or other writing meant to be read as someone speaking. A well-placed ellipsis can humanize your writing and contribute to your personal voice.
Ellipsis can be used to show a faltering voice or a thought trailing off. They can also be used to show confusion or hesitation.
“It’s just… I can’t… Is she really wearing a giant swan dress?”
When purposefully done, these kind of ellipsis points can be brilliant and hilarious. The key is to use them PURPOSEFULLY and not to overuse them.
Grammar Girl has a nice summary of the fine line between acceptable and annoying use of ellipsis.
“You should not replace all normal punctuation with ellipses. You should not allow the sweet lure of ellipses to muddle your ability to write a complete sentence. To quote the book Grammar for Dummies, “Using ellipses in this way can get annoying really fast.”
So, use ellipses to show hesitation or a trailing off of thoughts if you must, but use them sparingly, and know that although it’s grammatically correct, it’s considered by some to be annoying and cheap.”
Do you have any blog writing questions?
Comment here or on my facebook page, tweet me or send me an email with any and all questions you have. I will answer as best as I can, and, if I don’t know it myself, I will do the research for you!
Hahahhahahhahahah. I'm laughing at your examples!Also, writing online for 5+ years has taken its toll on my proper use of capitalization, punctuation, and perhaps even grammar. See above: "Hahahhahahhahahah." I refuse to type LOL. Oops, there you made me do it.p.s. I can be guilty of overusing ellipses. I think it's because I can type so quickly I use them as my thoughts change course, and then I don't go back to edit what I typed.
I have to admit, I use ellipses too often. I think it's because I'm a bit sarcastic in person, and I try to type my blog like I'm talking to a pal. For me ellipses are the easiest way to show that . . .hesitation. (and personally I like the spaces between.)I do love this series. I've only learned a few things, but more than that, it's helped me to know how much I'm still doing right!
I have a question! I am seeing bloggers use {} instead of () more and more. Maybe because they look "prettier?" It seems to me there may be some rule that's being broken here, but I'm not for sure. Are folks just being stylistic, or are they breaking some essential punctuation rule? I'd be lying if I said it doesn't annoy me. Found you today from the #savvyblogging on Twitter. 😉 Love the idea of tackling grammar issues.
LOVE this!! I, too, am guilty of using way too many ellipsis points, but I think it's because I think faster than I type and my fingers can't keep up… so the ellipses help me connect the thoughts. Kinda like connect the dots, except with my writing. (or maybe it only really makes sense in my brain…who knows? 🙂 )Found you from the #savvyblogging twitter feed. Will be following more!!
Thanks for tackling this topic for me! I am guilty of overusing ellipsis points. I use them to sound more conversational (ie. hesitations or trailing off).But I now go back and reread my post to spot them. I need to be more purposeful in my use of them. I ask myself: "Is it really needed there?" Sometimes just a comma, a period or new paragraph will do. (btw- Love the new look on the blog, too!)
Ooops, I'm one that overuses them too… I never knew they were called ellipsis points, I always called them dot-dot-dots. I think I use them when I can't quite decide what other punctuation to use. It doesn't annoy me actually to see other people use them. LOL does annoy me, along with all its variations.