Definition

Noun: 1. A punctuation mark, typically one of a series of three dots (...), used to indicate an omission, a pause, or an unfinished thought: A "suspension point" is one of the dots in the ellipsis mark, which signals that something has been left out or that a sentence trails off.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The author used a suspension point to create a sense of hesitation in the character's dialogue.
  • When quoting a long passage, you can use suspension points to show where you have omitted text.
  • Her voice faded away, ending the sentence with a telling suspension point...

Advanced Usage

• Ellipsis: The standard term for the punctuation mark consisting of three suspension points is an ellipsis. In formal writing, an ellipsis is often used with spaces before, between, and after the dots ( . . . ).
  • The rule states, "All members shall . . . attend the annual meeting."
• Indicating an Incomplete List: Suspension points can show that a list continues indefinitely.
  • The box contained pencils, paper, clips...
• Stylistic Pause in Narrative: In fiction, suspension points can indicate a trailing thought, a pause for effect, or an awkward silence.
  • "I thought you might say that..." he replied quietly.

Variants and Related Words

• Ellipsis (n): The name for the punctuation mark (...) itself, composed of suspension points.
  • An ellipsis is crucial for accurate quotation.
• Omission (n): The act of leaving something out, which a suspension point indicates.
  • The omission of those details was marked by an ellipsis.

Synonyms

• Ellipsis dots: Another term for the series of points.
• Points of ellipsis: A formal way to refer to them.

Notes on Usage

• The term "suspension point" is often used in the plural ("suspension points") because the mark typically consists of three dots.
• In modern digital typography, a single character called the ellipsis (…) is often used instead of three separate period/full stop characters.
• It is important not to overuse suspension points in formal writing, as they can make text seem hesitant or informal.

Noun

1. (usually plural) one of a series of points indicating that something has been omitted or that the sentence is incomplete