Five Common Mistakes That Novice Poets Make

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There are two kinds of ellipses. One indicates a pause in prose and poetry, one indicates the omission of words, usually in journalism. An ellipses is three dots separated by spaces. For instance, in the context of journalistic quotation, “[A]n ellipses is three dots separated by spaces. For instance, . . . .”

In prose and poetry, ellipses are three dots separated by spaces to indicate inarticulate or unsaid thoughts. For instance, “I think ellipses are great, but . . . ”

In general, ellipses bait a certain kind of empathy. Occasionally, they precede dramatic action.

I have no particular affection for ellipses in poems. They are most useful when the narrator is in crisis, and indicate either a lack of control or a recapture of control.