ellipsis
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The omission of words from a sentence or phrase that are understood from the context.
1. The punctuation mark (…) used to indicate such an omission or a pause. 2. In rhetoric and linguistics, a figure of speech where words are left out for stylistic effect. 3. In geometry, an oval shape (though this is a different word, 'ellipse').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in grammar, rhetoric, and writing. The plural is 'ellipses'. It is distinct from 'ellipse' (the geometric shape), though they share an etymological root.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The punctuation mark is called 'ellipsis' in both, though informally it may be called 'dot dot dot' or 'suspension points'.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and formal writing in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + ellipsis (e.g., 'use an ellipsis')ellipsis + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., 'ellipsis of the subject')[adjective] + ellipsis (e.g., 'stylistic ellipsis')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Trailing off into an ellipsis...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in formal report writing or presentations to indicate omitted data.
Academic
Common in linguistics, literary analysis, rhetoric, and formal writing to discuss textual omissions or style.
Everyday
Rare in speech. Used when discussing writing, punctuation, or when quoting text with omissions.
Technical
Standard term in linguistics, grammar, typography, and publishing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The author ellipted the redundant clause for conciseness.
American English
- The editor suggested ellipsing the repetitive paragraph.
adverb
British English
- He spoke elliptically, hinting at the problem without stating it directly.
American English
- The instructions were written elliptically, leaving many questions.
adjective
British English
- His style was notably elliptical, requiring careful reading.
American English
- The report contained elliptical references to the earlier findings.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the text message, she used '...' to show a pause.
- The writer used an ellipsis to create a sense of suspense at the end of the chapter.
- In the sentence 'She can sing, and he can too,' there is an ellipsis of the verb 'sing' after 'he can'.
- The poet's frequent use of syntactic ellipsis contributes to the dense, evocative quality of her verse.
- A skilled editor knows when an ellipsis is rhetorically effective and when it merely indicates sloppy writing.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ellipsis' as a word that itself is missing letters – it sounds like 'e-LIPS-is', and lips can be closed, leaving things unsaid.
Conceptual Metaphor
OMISSION IS A GAP / SILENCE IS PUNCTUATION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'эллипс' (ellipse, the geometric shape). The correct translation for the punctuation/grammar term is 'многоточие' or 'эллипсис' (linguistic term).
- The concept of grammatical ellipsis ('опущение') is common in Russian, but the specific term 'ellipsis' is less familiar.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'elipsis' (single 'l').
- Confusing 'ellipsis' (punctuation/grammar) with 'ellipse' (shape).
- Using 'ellipses' as a singular noun (e.g., 'an ellipses is...').
- Overusing the punctuation mark (...) in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an ellipsis in punctuation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Three dots (...), sometimes with a space before and after each dot in some style guides ( . . . ).
No. 'Ellipsis' relates to omission in language. 'Ellipse' is a geometric oval shape. They come from the same Greek root meaning 'fall short' but are distinct modern terms.
Yes, but this is less common. It is typically used to show that a quoted sentence begins mid-thought, e.g., '...and the results were conclusive.'
Ellipsis is the omission of words from a clause. Elision is the omission of a sound or syllable in speech (e.g., 'I'm' for 'I am'). Elision can be a type of phonological ellipsis.
Collections
Part of a collection
Rhetoric and Argumentation
C2 · 49 words · Advanced tools of persuasion and argumentation.