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Jun 21, 2022 · Mixed Metaphors Explained: 8 Examples of Mixed Metaphors. A well-crafted metaphor uses consistent imagery ("hitting the nail on the head”); when you start mixing imagery ("hitting the nail on the nose"), you can create a type of malapropism known as a mixed metaphor.
- What Is An Ellipsis?
- For Omitted Text
- In Poetry
- As Suspension Points
- In Literature
- Misuse
- Usage Guide
An ellipsis (. . . or …) is a set of three periods or dots in a row. In formal writing, it is used to indicate omitted text in a quotation. Ellipses are also used in casual communication, such as text messages, to show indecision or a thought trailing off. In creative writing, an ellipsis can signify a pause.
Use an ellipsis to indicate the omission of words from quoted text. Note that after you have replaced words with ellipses, the reader should still be able to read the text aloud as a grammatically complete sentence. You don’t need to insert an ellipsis for text omitted at the start or end of a quotation. Only if you wish to leave a quotation delibe...
As in prose, use an ellipsis to show an unfinished line in poetry. To show the omission of one or more lines, use a row of dots the approximate length of the previous line.
The three dots that make up an ellipsis are also called suspension points. In informal writing, these dots can indicate indecision, an incomplete thought, or a pause. The ellipsis then acts as a punctuation mark that indicates a pause. You can also use an ellipsis to show faltering speech in dialogue or a thought trailing off.
Here are some examples that show how a writer can use an ellipsis to make the reader pause between thoughts. In poetry, an ellipsis creates a gentler pause than that signified by a period, giving the reader time to reflect. In a narrative, an ellipsis can indicate a thought trailing off. In dialogue, an ellipsis can signify a pause. An ellipsis can...
Ellipses are easy to overuse and misuse. In emails and chat messages, remember that an ellipsis indicates an unfinished thought and carries the tone of indecision. In formal writing, use ellipses only to indicate omitted text in a quotation. Avoid using ellipses in business communication. In fiction and creative nonfiction, be careful not to overus...
When you use an ellipsis to indicate omitted words in a quotation, check that you haven’t changed the meaning of the original text. In general, the text should still read as a complete grammatical sentence even after the omission of words (except when a sentence is deliberately left incomplete). You can also use ellipses to show indecision, falteri...
- Author
Sep 1, 2022 · An ellipsis (plural ellipses) is a punctuation mark that consists of three dots or periods (...) in writing. Also known as suspension points or even dot-dot-dot, ellipses appear in informal writing, news stories, and fiction.
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- Senior Writer
Sep 5, 2023 · Unravel the mystery of ellipsis usage! Our simple grammar guide breaks down 'The Three Dots' for clear and effective communication.
What are Mixed Metaphors? A mixed metaphor is a mixture of two or more dissimilar, figurative elements, like metaphors, similes, and idioms, which in turn, lead to the silly or even confusing effect. This is likely to occur when you are creative and borrow ideas from various quarters or contexts potentially rendering your statement nonsensical ...
Sep 26, 2021 · A mixed metaphor is a combination of two or more incompatible metaphors, producing a ridiculous effect. Here's all the ways writers use them.
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A mixed metaphor is a figure of speech wherein you combine two or more metaphors into one. And yes, it is as ludicrous as it sounds. Let’s look at an example: “It’s not rocket surgery.”
