ellipsis in hesitation and trailing speech
An ellipsis marking hesitation, a pause, or an unfinished thought.
Use an ellipsis when speech falters or trails off: “I wanted to ask . . . but perhaps this is a bad time.” In speech, the points mark hesitation, not words removed from a quotation.
Use an em dash for an abrupt cutoff: “Keep your hands away from—” The choice depends on how the speech stops. Compare “I thought you might . . .” (the speaker trails off) with “I thought you might—” (the speaker stops abruptly or is interrupted).
An ellipsis may separate complete sentences when it represents a pause or an unfinished train of thought: “I remember that room . . . Why was the window open?” Capitalize the next word when it begins a new sentence. Do not add a fourth point merely because the preceding sentence is grammatically complete.
Use ordinary punctuation when no hesitation or trailing off is intended: “Your order is ready. You can collect it today.” “Your order is ready . . .” suggests uncertainty or something left unsaid.
Examples
Use“Was it Thursday . . . or Friday?” (The speaker hesitates.)
Use“If things had been different . . .” (The thought remains unfinished.)
Use“Don’t touch that—” (The warning stops abruptly.)
Avoid“Please send the invoice . . .” (This is a complete request, so it takes a period.)