Ellipsis and Dashes

What can an ellipsis be used for?

• To make pauses

• To lead into silence.

• To replace or remove words

• To point out unfinished toughts.

After which word in the following sentence does the ellipsis belong?

"Did she really do that?"

(It is making a pause)

After which word in the following sentence does the ellipsis belong?

"Why would he"

(Unfinished thought)

Another name for ellipsis is:

• comma

• dot dot dot

• dots

• to be continued.

What is used to show a pause in dialogue or to show that words or sentences have been left out? (HINT: ...)

• comma

• space

• hyphen

• ellipses

Which of the following sentences uses a dash correctly to add a parenthetical statement?

• The concert - which was sold out - was incredible.

• We need to discuss - the following topics.

• It's time to eat - dinner.

• She was late - again.

Which sentence uses the dash correctly?

• I sent Margot and Agnes with--her Margot to keep watch and Agnes to distract the guards.

• I sent Margot and Agnes--with her Margot to keep watch and Agnes to distract the guards.

• I sent--Margot and Agnes with her Margot to keep watch and Agnes to distract the guards.

• I sent Margot and Agnes with her--Margot to keep watch and Agnes to distract the guards.

Which sentence has the dash in the correct place?

• Our agents--were undertaking a special mission in Reims a mission that Delphine had spearheaded under my direction.

• Our agents were undertaking a special mission in--Reims a mission that Delphine had spearheaded under my direction.

• Our agents were undertaking a special mission in Reims--a mission that Delphine had spearheaded under my direction.

• Our agents were undertaking a special mission in Reims a mission that Delphine had spearheaded--under my direction.

In which sentence are ellipses used correctly to show hesitation?

• I'm not sure... what you mean.

• I know that the answer is... 42.

• Look... over there!

• And then... he left.

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a dash to indicate a sudden change in thought or tone.

• A) I was going to tell her - then I changed my mind.

• B) The cat - is on the roof again.

• C) We could go to the -beach or the park.

• D) He said - he would be here.