How to Use Ellipses in Writing and Speech

Khan Academy

This educational video from Khan Academy explores the definition and proper usage of the ellipsis, a punctuation mark consisting of three periods. The hosts, David and Paige, break down the two primary functions of ellipses: indicating a pause or hesitation in speech, and showing where words have been omitted from a direct quote. Through clear handwritten examples on a digital whiteboard, they demonstrate how these small dots can significantly alter the pacing of dialogue or condense information in academic writing. A major theme of the video is the ethical responsibility involved in quoting sources. Using a famous quote from Albus Dumbledore, the narrators demonstrate how removing words without using ellipses—or removing the wrong words—can completely change the speaker's intended meaning. They provide a humorous example of how unethical editing could twist Dumbledore's words into a meaningless statement, emphasizing that writers must preserve the original intent of the source material. For the classroom, this video is an excellent resource for English Language Arts units on punctuation, creative writing, and research skills. It clarifies the often-confusing rules around spacing and terminal punctuation (when to use four dots). Furthermore, the discussion on misrepresentation provides a perfect launchpad for lessons on media literacy and the importance of context, moving beyond simple grammar mechanics into critical thinking about information integrity.