‘…’ (Ellipsis) ‘…’, known as an ellipsis, is a punctuation mark consisting of three consecutive dots. It serves various purposes in writing: 1. Indicating Omission or Ellipsis: Ellipsis is primarily used to indicate the omission of words, phrases, or sentences from a text. It creates the impression of a pause or break in thought without disrupting the flow of the narrative. Example: “I was going to tell you the whole story, but… I’m not sure anymore.” 2. Conveying Hesitation or Uncertainty: Ellipsis can suggest hesitation, uncertainty, or an incomplete thought. It conveys a sense of pause or reflection. Example: “Maybe we should… reconsider this plan.” 3. Creating Dramatic Effect: In fiction, ellipsis is often used to build tension or suspense. It can create a sense of anticipation or leave the reader wondering what was left unsaid. Example: “He reached for the door, but then… he stopped.” 4. Emphasizing Unfinished Thoughts: Ellipsis can be used to emphasize unfinished thoughts or unspoken words. It suggests that more is left unsaid, inviting the reader to fill in the blanks. Example: “She couldn’t help but think… what if…” 5. Indicating a Pause in Speech: In dialogues, ellipsis can indicate a pause in speech, a moment of silence, or an interruption. It conveys the speaker’s hesitations, emotions, or the ambiance of the conversation. Example: “I know what you’re thinking… but…” 6. Representing Broken or Fragmented Thoughts: Ellipsis can be used to represent broken or fragmented thoughts, particularly in stream-of-consciousness writing or to portray the inner turmoil of a character. Example: “…broken, shattered, lost…” Usage Guidelines: When using ellipsis, it’s important to consider the following guidelines: * Use three dots, not two or four. * Place the ellipsis inside quotation marks when omitting words from a direct quote. * Avoid overusing ellipsis, as it can become distracting. * Use ellipsis sparingly to achieve the desired effect. Ellipsis is a versatile punctuation mark that adds depth, meaning, and emphasis to writing. By understanding its various uses, writers can effectively convey pauses, hesitations, and unspoken thoughts, enhancing the reader’s experience.
New Study Shows Surprising Benefits of Regular Exercise A recent study published in the journal “American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism” found that regular exercise can have surprising benefits on overall health. The study, which followed over 1,000 adults over a period of 10 years, found that those who engaged in regular moderate-intensity exercise had a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality. In addition, the study found that regular exercise was associated with improved cognitive function, better sleep quality, and reduced stress levels. “Our findings suggest that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve overall health and well-being,” said lead author Dr. James Levine. “Even small amounts of exercise can make a big difference.” The study defined regular exercise as at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. “We hope that our findings will encourage more people to make exercise a regular part of their lives,” said Dr. Levine. “The benefits are clear and far-reaching.”
