I’ve noticed that in written communication, people often use ‘…’ to build suspense or convey something left unsaid. It’s like a mini cliffhanger within a sentence. But what’s the psychology and history behind this unique use of punctuation?
Why do we use ‘…’ to add an extra layer of meaning or emotion in our text? I’d love to hear your thoughts and delve into the intriguing world of punctuation in writing!
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Suspense requires time. The ellipsis is the best way to show a significant pause in writing. It’s a “this space intentionally left blank”.
It’s used to convey a pause in the middle of a thought. It doesn’t necessarily convey suspense, but to mimic the way we speak or to put emphasis on a specific part of a sentence. This of course can lead to suspense, but that’s all in the context of what’s being said.
For instance, using ellipses at the beginning of a sentence tends to indicate that a speaker is distracted, confused, or trying to hide information. Ellipses in the middle of a sentence can mean someone is processing information or using a dramatic pause to emphasize the second part of the statement. Ellipses at the end of a sentence can mean that someone is trailing off in thought or unsure of what they are saying.
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