Question

Authors can use an ellipsis for which purposes?
-to end a sentence
-to create a dramatic effect
-to separate items in a list
-to introduce dialogue

Answer 1

Authors can use an ellipsis primarily for the following purposes:

1. **To create a dramatic effect**: An ellipsis can create suspense or indicate an unfinished thought, allowing the reader to pause and reflect on what has been said.

2. **To indicate omitted material**: In quotations, an ellipsis is often used to show that something has been left out from the original text.

However, an ellipsis is not typically used:
- **To end a sentence**: While it can appear at the end of a sentence, it serves more to indicate that something has been left unsaid rather than as a definitive end.
- **To separate items in a list**: Ellipses are not used for this purpose; commas or semicolons are typically employed instead.
- **To introduce dialogue**: Usually, quotation marks are used for dialogue, not ellipses.

In summary, the primary purpose of an ellipsis is to create suspense or indicate omitted text, rather than the other options listed.