Using Ellipses (…) In Email

I remind folks to use proper sentence structure and grammar when composing their emails, as my regular readers know. I pretty much leave it at that — I am not a grammar writer or an English-language major, and do not claim to be one.

I constantly work on my writing skills and am amazed at how much there is to learn about communicating effectively in writing. That’s why I use Grammarly as a tool and guide for everything I write, both online and offline.

I’ve had several requests recently to discuss the use of “trailing periods” at the end of sentences in emails. These are called ellipses.

Here is one example:

Netiquette or “NETwork etIQUETTE” is about using technology appropriately. So naturally, that would also include proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.

Ending a select phrase or sentence with “…” can mean different things depending on the content and overall tone of the email. Knowing when to use ellipses is also important in grammar.

Grammatically Correct Use of an Ellipsis

• Indicate the omission of some text.
• Reflect a pause in dialogue.

[Full Explanation of Proper Ellipse Use]

I do use ellipses on occasion when apropos — in my mind. But Grammarly constantly corrects me in its use, recommending that I avoid an ellipsis unless necessary. And it is always only three periods, no more.

With that said, excessive periods at the end of every sentence lead to cryptic communications and aren’t grammatically correct. But I don’t think your friend is concerned about grammar. Instead, I believe it is probably her communication style.

As with anything related to how you use technology, discretion is critical, and perception matters. In my view, ellipses can also indicate the opposite of “having something to say but won’t.” Instead, the use of an ellipsis can reflect the obvious — there is no more to say.

When I end a sentence with “…,” it’s usually because I’m in an ongoing conversation and don’t know what more I can say on the topic. I use ellipses to pause the conversation.

Using Ellipses with Discretion

For example, I’ll use an ellipsis when I keep getting asked the same thing in different ways by the same person, as though that would change my answer. So, I’ll end the sentence with “…” insinuating “what more can I say…” or “I’m at a loss…” type of situation.

If you feel the sender may “have something else they want to say but won’t,” what gives you that impression? I would consider asking for clarification as to what she means to avoid any misunderstandings.

She may advise “nothing,” as that is just her style. (I’ve written a lot about not assuming.)

Another site visitor told me they found ellipses “insulting.” I’m still not clear why they were insulted by the use of an ellipsis. Maybe they, too, know the other side is trying to intimidate them, and they have nothing more to say?

In this case, it is probably more of a relationship issue than an ellipse issue. There are probably other issues in the relationship or in their email communications with these particular senders that have led to misunderstandings due to a lack of clarity. But primarily because they do know what the person who used the ellipses means — the ellipses are just the frosting on the cake.

My number one piece of advice when it comes to impressions, perceptions, and intent? If you are unsure of someone’s meaning when they use ellipses, ask for clarification before making assumptions or reacting.

This once again proves my point about how folks will read things into your email communications, and why you must carefully craft them to avoid that. I think some may be reading too much into these tiny dots because of other signals in the email that deserve more attention. I’m just sayin’…