ELLIPSIS

We've all been guilty of misusing the ellipsis, and even more annoyed of people who abuse it.


To all those who forgot what the ellipsis is used for:


An ellipsis is "a series of marks that usually indicate an intentional omission of a word, sentence or whole section from the original text being quoted. An ellipsis can also be used to indicate a pause in speech, an unfinished thought, or, at the end of a sentence, a trailing off into silence "


I bolded the last part for emphasis. Now, did people forget how to use a period and/or comma? Or are more people pausing in speech, proclaiming unfinished thoughts, or trailing off into silence after every sentence. I understand the scheme of writing as if we are speaking, but it's come to a point where it is used so much that we are conditioned to aggressively key in the period 3 times. 


"When placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, the ellipsis can also inspire a feeling of melancholy longing." 


I really don't know where this came from, but I really find it distasteful to put notations in writing to make emotional queues. Emotions have to come from the way the words are written and things leading up to that thought. At least, that is how I see it.


In the words of Judge Reinhold's Character, Brad Hamilton from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, " Learn it. Know it. Live it."


I'M SHEENA...