The ellipsis, a series of three dots (…), may seem like an innocuous punctuation mark, but it has become a symbol of a generational divide in the digital world. While some see it as a useful tool for conveying pauses or trailing thoughts, others view it as an outdated relic or even a source of confusion. Let’s explore why the ellipsis is so polarized between generations and whether it should have a place in content creation today.

The Polarizing Ellipsis: A Generational Divide

In content creation, it’s essential to consider your audience and the message you wish to convey. If your target audience includes older generations or if you’re aiming for a conversational tone, the ellipsis might be a valuable tool. However, if clarity and professionalism are your priorities, especially when addressing a younger audience, it might be wise to use it sparingly.

Older Generations

For older generations, the ellipsis often serves as a versatile punctuation mark. It can indicate a pause for dramatic effect, suggest an unfinished thought, or create a conversational tone. This flexibility makes it a favorite in informal writing, such as personal emails or social media posts. Many in this demographic feel comfortable with the ellipsis as a tool for enhancing their written communication.

Younger Generations

On the other hand, younger generations have developed a more skeptical view of the ellipsis. In the fast-paced world of texting and instant messaging, clear and concise communication is valued. The ellipsis can be perceived as ambiguous or even passive-aggressive, leaving readers unsure of the sender’s intent. Younger users often prefer emojis or other punctuation marks that more clearly convey emotion and tone.

Should You Use the Ellipsis in Content Creation?

When it comes to content creation, the use of the ellipsis depends largely on the context and the audience.

Pros of Using the Ellipsis

  • Conveying Tone: The ellipsis can add a conversational or informal tone to writing, making content feel more approachable and human.
  • Creating Suspense: It can effectively build suspense or indicate a pause, drawing readers in and encouraging them to continue reading.
  • Indicating Omission: In formal writing, ellipses can be used to indicate omissions in quoted material, ensuring brevity without altering the original meaning.

Cons of Using the Ellipsis

  • Ambiguity: The ellipsis can sometimes lead to confusion, leaving readers uncertain about the writer’s intent or meaning.
  • Perceived Unprofessionalism: In professional or academic contexts, overuse of ellipses can be seen as informal or sloppy, detracting from the credibility of the content.
  • Generational Misunderstandings: As highlighted, different age groups interpret ellipses differently, which can lead to miscommunication or unintended interpretations.

Does This Ellipsis Make Me Look Old?

Rebellion against the ellipsis is well-established for text, chat, and email. The pensive addition of those three dots mimics the prompt when someone is writing.

Send a message.

See three dots in the response while the other person is writing. 

Enter a new circle of hell. 

Most millennials and Gen Z’s describe the punctuation as anxiety-inducing for two reasons. First, it leaves a thought hanging. In an age of instant communication, the ellipsis implies that something else is coming. Younger readers don’t appreciate that visual and verbal tension.

Second, the ellipsis mirrors the Typing status on most chat tools. The Pavlovian effect of three dots is that of waiting on the edge of your seat.

We need to talk…

This is perceived as negative and intense ⁠— until it is followed by a lighter, pleasant phrase.

Ellipsis Has a Specific Tone

To communicate cross-generationally, writers should reconsider using the ellipsis in their sentences. When I’m editing for my clients, I often find them in the same places. Many people add them to headlines and subheads. I also find them in sentences at the end of a paragraph.

For younger readers, this adds a judgemental, lingering tone. Which is often the opposite of the writer’s intent.

In the article, Please…Don’t Use Ellipses In Your Text Messages Sam Blum points out,

Don’t make your reader parse the subtlety in your text messages. For most Millennials and members of Generation Z (and even some Gen X-ers), texting is a primary means of communication, even if it can be really tedious and impersonal. Replying “ok…” can leave a text reader feeling as if you’re leaving something unsaid. What, for example, is inferred by the three lingering dots that leave your sentence begging for finality?

Similarly, Paris Matineau tackles this topic in Why…do old people…text…like this….?An Investigation…saying,

However, the linguistic ellipsis could not be more different than the literal, which seems to — if anything — slow down both the writer and the reader as the three dots are used to replace any and all forms of punctuation.

On some level, it seems to be a way to say, This idea is not complete. One can’t always assume that age affects the speed of writing. But, older writers may be prone to at least re-read and edit what they write before hitting Send.

Overall, this vestigial grammatical moment has even harsher interpretation in articles and blog posts. Adding an ellipsis literally leaves your reader hanging.

 

Source: https://twitter.com/quakerraina/status/1274908054899703809?lang=en

Unless you want your reader to squirm, you will probably find that these phrases create the opposite of your intended effect.

The ellipsis creates tension, induces anxiety, and makes you seem like you’re about to start a lecture. Also, you’re probably not even using it correctly.

Ellipsis Has a Specific Grammatical Role

When I proofread for writers, I rarely see correct usage of an ellipsis. Those little dots are on the list of items that I actively search for (find + replace function) whenever I’m editing. Most of the time, writers place the ellipsis at the end of a thought where they hope to create a pause. However, a simple period and line break is both correct and easier to read.

Correct Use of Ellipsis

  • In news writing and academic settings, the ellipsis is used to show that a quote is incomplete. When you lift a phrase from a thought, it shows where you omitted something. It’s often a way to abridge or clarify long source material.
  • For creative prose, the ellipsis may convey a pause in the dialogue. It shows that the character’s words were cut off mid-thought.
  • In creative writing, it may also be used to show a lingering thought. However, it should be used carefully.

If you are trying to join two thoughts, consider the following options.

  1. Coordinating Conjunctions include and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet. You need to place a comma before the coordinating conjunction to join the thoughts.
  2. Independent Marker Words may be used at the beginning of an independent clause. They can begin a standalone sentence. Use a semicolon before the independent marker word if you are joining two clauses. Some examples are also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, and therefore.
  3. Subordinating conjunctions connect independent and dependent clauses. Examples include after, as, before, once, since, and until.

While punchy writing can break grammar rules, the ellipsis ages your writing. To younger audiences, it’s a boomer-ism — marking your language as outdated and out-of-touch. Next time, consider replacing those three dots with a different connector if you want to keep your language neutral and crisp.

Ultimately, like any punctuation mark, the ellipsis is a tool that, when used thoughtfully, can enhance communication. Understanding its implications and how it is perceived by different generations can help you decide when and how to use it effectively in your writing.

Additional Reading

Understand Shopping Trends

We’re dropping our next newsletter in July 2025. Sign up for exclusive freebies, giveaways, and industry insights.