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Use an ellipsis (typically three dots) to indicate an intentional omission of a single word, sentence or whole section of text. It has a space either side. Ellipsis marks to indicate a trailing thought or pause should not be overused.

Original: “Producer Mark McNeill and Editor Irena Dol have done an exquisite job of bringing to life the findings of our long-running study. They have managed to stay true to the science while making it accessible and compelling viewing. I'm delighted with the end result,” he says.

With ellipses: “Producer Mark McNeill and Editor Irena Dol have done an exquisite job … I'm delighted with the end result,” he says.

When writing for the web

Online, the spaces can be omitted to avoid unintentional/misleading line breaks.

About the Writing Style Guide

This guide is designed to help ensure writing style – whether for internal or external audiences, written for print or online – is consistent and maintains a professional standard across the University. It is not designed for academic writing.

Feedback

Please send any feedback – including reports of errors or requests for changes – to writing.style@otago.ac.nz

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