Ellipsis to Show Omission

What it is: Unlike the other grammatical concepts on this site, this concept is used for academic writing.  Sometimes a quote is very long, but you only need a part of it.  In that case, an ellipsis (three dots) is used to show that some of the quoted material has been left out.

How it’s used: First, make sure that the shortened quote still has the same meaning and tone as the full-length version.  Otherwise it’s bordering on dishonest writing.  Next, write or copy the quote, putting ellipsis in place of the word or words being removed.  In general, if the removed part is at the beginning of the sentence, you do not start with an ellipsis.  If the removed part is at the end, style books disagree whether the ellipsis follows a period or stands by itself.  In general, just be consistent throughout your writing.

Examples: (Taken from Skyhunter by Marie Lu; omitted parts in italics)

Original: Unlike the others, this soldier is draped in a long crimson robe, his arms and shoulders protected behind armor of black steel.

Shortened: This soldier is draped in a long crimson robe…behind armor of black steel.

Original: The buildings that make up the National Plaza include one of the most spectacular ruins in Mara – twelve buttresses lining a structure with three arched entrances.

Shortened: The buildings that make up the National Plaza include one of the most spectacular ruins in Mara…