Punctuation can be tricky, and one mark that often confuses writers is the ellipsis.
But should you say ellipsis or ellipses?
This question arises frequently in writing, editing, and publishing contexts.
Both terms are correct, but they serve different grammatical purposes.
An ellipsis (singular) is a set of three dots (…) used to indicate a pause, omission, or unfinished thought.
Its plural form, ellipses, refers to multiple occurrences of these marks.
For example:
- Singular: The teacher said, Well… I’m not sure.
- Plural: The essay contained several ellipses that indicated omitted text.
People often search for ellipses or ellipsis because they want to write correctly in essays, articles, or emails.
Confusion arises when deciding whether to use the singular or plural form, or how to punctuate it in sentences.
This article explores the correct usage, history, common mistakes, and practical examples to help you confidently use ellipses in your writing.
Ellipses or Ellipsis – Quick Answer
- Ellipsis → Singular; refers to one set of three dots (…) used to indicate omission or a pause.
- Ellipses → Plural; refers to multiple ellipses.
Examples:
- Ellipsis (singular):
She paused, waiting for him to respond… - Ellipses (plural):
The manuscript contained many ellipses to indicate missing content.
Tip: Use ellipsis when talking about a single instance. Use ellipses when referring to more than one.
The Origin of Ellipses and Ellipsis
Ellipsis
- Derived from the Greek word elleipsis, meaning omission or falling short.
- Entered English in the 16th century, initially in literary and rhetorical contexts.
- Singular form refers to a single omission or a single set of dots.
Ellipses
- Plural form of ellipsis.
- Follows standard English pluralization rules for words ending in -is (Greek origin).
- Example: Ellipses are often used in quotes to omit unnecessary words.
Key Takeaway: Both words share Greek roots, with ellipsis as singular and ellipses as plural.
British English vs American English Spelling
Interestingly, ellipsis and ellipses are spelled the same in both British and American English. The difference lies in punctuation style, spacing, and usage conventions.
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English | Usage & Notes |
| Ellipsis | Ellipsis | Ellipsis | Singular, indicates a pause, omission, or trailing thought |
| Ellipses | Ellipses | Ellipses | Plural, refers to multiple ellipses |
Tip: Focus on punctuation style rather than spelling differences when writing in British or American English.
Which Form Should You Use?
Use Ellipsis When:
- Referring to a single set of three dots (…)
- Writing quotations with a single omission
- Example: He whispered, I… I can’t believe it.
Use Ellipses When:
- Referring to multiple omissions in a text
- Discussing punctuation rules or editing notes
- Example: The editor marked several ellipses in the draft to indicate removed text.
Audience-Based Advice:
- US vs UK/Commonwealth: Both forms are accepted universally; singular vs plural is grammatical, not regional.
- Academic vs Casual: Academic writing prefers precise use of singular/plural forms; casual writing is more forgiving.
Common Mistakes with Ellipses and Ellipsis
- Using ellipses as a single dot
- ❌ She paused, waiting for him to respond.
- ✔️ She paused, waiting for him to respond…
- Confusing singular and plural forms
- ❌ The manuscript had many ellipsis.
- ✔️ The manuscript had many ellipses.
- Overusing ellipses in professional writing
- ❌ The report… was… incomplete…
- ✔️ The report was incomplete…
- Incorrect spacing
- British style: space before and after each dot is optional but common.
- American style: three dots together (…) without spaces, except in quotations.
- Using ellipses at the start or middle incorrectly
- ❌ …He was late, and…
- ✔️ He was late, and… (start with a complete sentence; use ellipsis for trailing off or omission)
Ellipses or Ellipsis in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Singular: Please revise the paragraph… it seems incomplete.
- Plural: Several ellipses were added in the document to indicate missing content.
News
- The article used ellipses to remove unnecessary quotes from the interview.
- An ellipsis was placed after the politician’s incomplete statement.
Social Media
- I can’t believe it…
- Writers love using ellipses to create suspense… many posts have multiple ellipses.
Formal Writing
- When quoting a source, insert an ellipsis to indicate omitted material.
- The report contained several ellipses for omitted sections.
Ellipsis or Ellipses – Google Trends & Usage Data
- Ellipsis appears more in searches related to grammar, writing guides, and academic resources.
- Ellipses is more common in editing, proofreading, and informal discussions about punctuation.
- Popularity peaks in US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, reflecting global interest in correct writing practices.
Insight: Use ellipsis for academic credibility and singular references. Ellipses is natural when discussing multiple occurrences.
Comparison Table: Ellipses vs Ellipsis
| Feature | Ellipsis | Ellipses |
| Form | Singular | Plural |
| Function | One omission, trailing thought, or pause | Multiple omissions or trailing thoughts |
| Sentence Example | He said… and then paused. | The text contained many ellipses… |
| Style Notes | Used in quotations, formal writing | Used in editing, informal writing |
| Tone | Formal, precise | Casual or multiple references |
FAQs
1. Can I use ellipsis in academic papers?
Yes, but ensure proper punctuation and singular/plural usage.
2. How many dots make an ellipsis?
Three dots (…) always form an ellipsis.
3. Should there be spaces between dots?
Depends on style: American (…), British (. . .), but modern usage favors (…) with no spaces.
4. Can ellipses start a sentence?
Yes, but only to indicate omitted preceding text.
5. Is ellipses ever singular?
No, it’s always plural; ellipsis is singular.
6. Are ellipses and periods the same?
No. A period ends a sentence; an ellipsis shows omission or pause.
7. How do I remember which to use?
- Ellipsis → one set
- Ellipses → multiple sets
Conclusion
Understanding ellipses or ellipsis is essential for writers, editors, and students.
Ellipsis is singular, representing one set of three dots used to indicate omission, pause, or trailing thought.
Ellipses is plural, referring to multiple sets of such punctuation marks.
Correct usage enhances clarity and professionalism in writing.
Use ellipsis in formal, academic, and precise contexts.
Use ellipses when discussing multiple occurrences, editing, or casual writing.
Paying attention to singular and plural forms, punctuation rules, and spacing ensures your writing is grammatically accurate and stylistically correct.
I’m Ethan Hawkesley, a writer passionate about clear and correct English. I create practical articles on grammar, spelling, and word usage to help readers avoid common mistakes and write with confidence.
