what does ... mean?

Question

I use ... all the time. The three (or more) periods in a sentence. What is it called and why is it used in sentences? Yes, I went to school and I know I learned about it at some point but I have forgotten. I think I use it right but wanna be sure.

you are absolutley right! Now that I have started using it I can't stop. It's kind of addicting. Weird.

Answer 1

The symbol ... (three periods or dots) is called an Ellipsis, and it indicates that something, usually words, have been left out. It can also mean that an abrupt change in lines of thought is occurring, or that it is to be understood that time has elapsed.

The symbol is sometimes called "Ellipsis points."

Answer 2

The name for the symbol ... is ellipsis. It could represent a pause but it also can stand for words which have been eliminated. For example if you write "Four score and seven years..." you could be referring to the whole Gettysburg Address. Or it could indicate a piece of dialog that trails off, "I was just thinking..."

Answer 3

It is known as an ellipsis, and it is very easy to overuse. In general, it's best to try to avoid it until you're sure that nothing else will work in its place. Same with dashes. Once you get into the habit of using these for everything, they can really louse up your writing.

Answer 4

The posts ahead of me are correct...at least I think the guy who named it is right. He's also correct about it's meaning...it represents a pause. The trouble is once you start using it you tend to over do it...I know I do at times.

Answer 5

It mean Elipsis. You use it for pauses.

Answer 6

the ... means a puase. i dont think it has a name though