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The two main ways an ellipsis is used are:
- To indicate the omission of words or phrases in a quote, allowing a writer to condense information while maintaining the original meaning.
- To create a pause or trailing off in dialogue or thought, conveying uncertainty, hesitation, or interruption in speech.
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If an ellipsis is being used inside a quote from a source in an informational text, it is most likely being used to indicate that some words have been omitted for brevity or clarity, while still conveying the essential meaning of the original statement.
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In a fictional text, an author might use an ellipsis when a character is speaking to illustrate hesitation, uncertainty, or emotional tension. It can suggest that the character is trailing off, thinking deeply, or struggling with their words, thereby enhancing the realism and depth of the dialogue.
Answer the questions about ellipses.
1) What are the two main ways an ellipsis is used?
2) If an ellipsis is being used inside a quote from a source in an informational text, in what way is it most likely being used?
3) In a fictional text, why would an author use an ellipsis when a character is speaking?
11 answers
Sure! Here’s a more concise version:
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The two main uses of an ellipsis are:
- To indicate omitted words in a quote.
- To create pauses or trailing thoughts in dialogue.
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In an informational text, an ellipsis within a quote typically signifies omitted words for brevity or clarity.
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In fictional text, authors use ellipses in dialogue to convey hesitation, uncertainty, or emotional tension, adding depth to the character's speech.
Of course! Here’s an even shorter version:
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Ellipses are used to:
- Omit words in a quote.
- Indicate pauses in dialogue.
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In informational texts, they show omitted words for clarity.
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In fiction, they convey hesitation or emotional tension in dialogue.
Certainly! Here’s a simplified version of point 2:
- In informational texts, ellipses show that words have been left out.
- If an ellipsis is used in a quote from an informational text, it most likely indicates that some words have been left out.
The use of an ellipsis in the provided quote indicates that the doctor is hesitating or struggling to find the right words before delivering the bad news. It creates a sense of pause and emotional weight, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.
Here’s how the quote looks with corrections for capitalization and punctuation:
"Good morning, Carl," the doctor began. "I'm afraid I have some... bad news. It looks like your foot is broken. We'll need to schedule you for surgery as soon as possible."