At ellipsis, represented by the sequence of three dots (...), is a graphic sign that mainly signals an interruption in speech. This punctuation mark can be used in a variety of situations.
To clarify any doubts, Toda Matéria provides explanation and examples of how ellipses can be used.
1. Reticence in the interruption of ideas
In a narration, one of the cases where ellipses can be used is when a character starts talking about an idea and interrupts it.
Example:
As for the tasks... I get tired just thinking about everything I need to do... Perhaps... Tomorrow I organize myself more.
2. Reticence in indecision
Ellipsis is very good for showing the hesitation of the speakers of a speech, the hesitation to make a decision, or even the shyness.
Example:
I don't know if I should accept the invitation... I want to go, but I have my fears.
3. Reticence in transmitting feelings
The ellipsis sign can serve to signal easily perceptible feelings in the spoken language (emotion, joy, or sadness).
Example:
I did so much for him... Without help... by herself... I achieved!
4. Ellipsis in omissions
Ellipsis is also often used when the intention of the speech is to make the reader imagine the unfolding of an idea initiated by the narrator.
Example:
But others will come.
All in all, you should
drop yourself, once and for all, into the waters.
Are you naked in the sand, in the wind…
Sleep, my son.(Excerpt from Consolation on the Beach, by Carlos Drummond de Andrade)
5. Reticence when interrupting speeches
In excerpts from quotations, that is, when the author's complete sentence is not presented, we can use the ellipses in parentheses or in square brackets.
Example:
“(...) the expansion of terrorism that kills men, women and children, destroys human heritage, expelled from their secular communities millions of people, show that the UN is facing a great challenge.”
(Excerpt from the speech of President Dilma at the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations, in 2015)
In the example above, the speech is not transcribed in full, that is, some parts were omitted, leaving only the part chosen by the author who produced the text. See the full excerpt:
“The multiplication of regional conflicts —some with high destructive potential—, as well as the expansion of terrorism that kills men, women and children, destroys heritage of humanity, expels millions of people from their secular communities, show that the UN is facing a great challenge.”
6. Ellipsis to enhance speeches
And finally, ellipses can also appear as a way of highlighting something - a word or phrase - being used before them.
Example:
That look is... charming.
Uppercase or lowercase letters after the ellipses
Capital letters can be used after the ellipses when the next idea is a new idea.
In turn, if the speech only has a pause and the idea continues, we should write in lowercase.
Example:
- Amanda smiled... She decided to ask about her father.
- Amanda smiled... asked about his father.
