Quotations can be a powerful way to share someone else’s words and make your writing stronger. However, sometimes we need to shorten these quotes to keep our writing clear and focused. This is where ellipses come in handy! An ellipsis is a series of three dots used to show that part of a quote has been left out. Knowing how to use them correctly can help you stay true to the original meaning while making your work more readable.
Today, we’ll go over the rules for using ellipses in quotes. We will talk about when it’s okay to use them, how many dots to use, and provide helpful examples. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident adding ellipses to your quotes to enhance your writing!
How To Use Ellipses In Quotes
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
This quote suggests that we often create our own obstacles through fear. Using ellipses, we could shorten it to “we have to fear…” to highlight that the crux of the message lies in overcoming our fears.
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote emphasizes that the lack of support from friends can hurt more than any enemy’s words. If we use ellipses, we could write “we will remember not… but the silence…” to draw attention to the pivotal role of friendship.
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon
This highlights the importance of living in the moment rather than getting lost in planning. Using ellipses, we might say “life is what happens… busy…” to show that life often gets overlooked while we focus on future plans.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This reminds us of the value of authenticity. We could shorten it with ellipses to “to be yourself… trying to make… something else…” to emphasize the struggle to remain true to ourselves.
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
This shows how doubt can hold us back from achieving our future goals. By using ellipses, it could be condensed to “the only limit… will be our doubts…” to focus on the mental barriers we create.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
This emphasizes that both success and failure are temporary. Using ellipses, we might write “success is not final… it is the courage…” to highlight the ongoing journey of perseverance.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
This quote encourages us to take risks. We could shorten it to “you miss 100% of… you don’t take” using ellipses to show the consequences of inaction.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This encourages individuality. We could say “do not go where… instead where… leave a trail” to underline the importance of paving our own way.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
This emphasizes taking action in shaping our outcomes. If shortened with ellipses: “the best way to predict… is to create it,” we still convey that we hold the power to design our futures.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This highlights our inner strength. Using ellipses, it could read “what lies behind us… are tiny matters… what lies within us,” emphasizing the importance of self-confidence.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
This means that active pursuit leads to success. We can use ellipses in it: “success usually comes to those who… be looking for it,” pointing out the idea of focusing on our work.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
This underscores the impact of our actions. It could be shortened to “act as if what you do… it does,” reminding us that even small actions matter.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This highlights the importance of self-belief. Using ellipses, we could say “believe you can… you’re halfway there,” focusing on that initial spark of confidence we need.
“You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” – Brian Tracy
This shows that we already possess inner resources. With ellipses, it could be condensed to “you have within you… everything you need…” which helps to emphasize our inherent abilities.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
This encourages us to maintain a positive outlook. Using ellipses might read “keep your face… towards the sunshine—and shadows will…” focusing us on positivity’s influence.
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
This underscores the powerful role of mindset in shaping our reality. If utilizing ellipses: “what we think,… we become,” we can highlight how our thoughts influence our lives.
“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.” – Bessie Johnson
This reminds us that a mix of dreams, strength, and humor is essential to success. It could be shortened to “to succeed in life… a wishbone, a backbone… funny bone” to make it more concise.
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
This suggests that our reactions define our life experiences. If we use ellipses, it might read “life is 10%… what happens… 90% how we react,” emphasizing that we control our responses.
“Dream big and dare to fail.” – Norman Vaughan
This motivates us to take risks with our ambitions. By using ellipses, we might say “dream big… dare to fail,” encapsulating the essence of pursuing dreams.
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
This quote encourages persistence regardless of pace. We could write “it does not matter how slowly you go… you do not stop” with ellipses to emphasize the importance of continuous effort.
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” – Robert Frost
This is a reminder that life continues, regardless of challenges. Using ellipses, we could write “in three words I can sum up… life: it goes on,” focusing on resilience.
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” – Dalai Lama
This states the central aim of existence. With ellipses, it could be “the purpose of our lives… is to be happy,” highlighting the simplicity of this profound truth.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
This reminds us to make the most of our limited time. A shortened version using ellipses could be “you only live once… if you do it right, once is enough,” emphasizing quality over quantity.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
This encourages us to turn our dreams into reality. It could be written as “if you can dream it… you can do it,” emphasizing the power of belief in manifesting our goals.
“The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra
This suggests that achieving success is the ultimate response to negativity. Using ellipses, it could read “the best revenge is… massive success,” focusing on the rewarding nature of our accomplishments.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This inspires action regardless of circumstances. If shortened with ellipses, it might say “do what you can… with what you have… where you are,” highlighting the importance of taking initiative.
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” – Indira Gandhi
This suggests that openness and cooperation are necessary for positive relationships. Using ellipses, we could say “you cannot shake hands… with a clenched fist” to focus on the need for open hearts.
“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” – Ayn Rand
This highlights the different motivations for creativity. If we use ellipses, it might read “a creative man… is motivated by… desire to achieve…” to emphasize personal ambition over competition.
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama
This shows that happiness is cultivated through our efforts. We could use ellipses to say “happiness… is not… ready made. It comes from… actions,” stressing our involvement in our happiness.
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis
This reminds us that challenges can shape our future. A shortened version with ellipses could be “hardships… prepare ordinary people… for an extraordinary destiny,” highlighting the silver lining in struggles.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
This quote encourages immediate action on making a difference. With ellipses, it may read “how wonderful it is that nobody… need wait… before starting,” emphasizing that change begins with us.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.” – Albert Einstein
This shows the value of creativity over mere facts. A condensed version could read “imagination is… more important than knowledge… whereas imagination embraces…” to focus on the expansive aspect of creativity.
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
This highlights the idea of renewal. Using ellipses, it could say “every moment… is a fresh beginning,” encouraging us to seize the opportunities we encounter.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
This saying highlights the need to maximize our experience of life. If shortened with ellipses, it might transform to “you only live once… if you do it right,” reinforcing the quality of each moment.
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
This emphasizes the simplicity of life’s truths. A version using ellipses would read “life is really… simple, but we insist on… it complicated,” reflecting how we sometimes overthink things.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
This encourages us to take charge of who we are. Using ellipses, we might write “life isn’t about… finding yourself… about creating yourself,” focusing on the active role we play in our identities.
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan
This quote underscores the importance of community. Using ellipses, it could be “we can’t help everyone… but everyone can help… someone,” emphasizing collective responsibility.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
This quote encourages action instead of procrastination. If shortened with ellipses, it might read “the way to get started is… to quit talking… begin doing,” stressing the importance of taking the first step.
“You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
This highlights the power of small daily actions. A version with ellipses might be “you cannot change… but you can change your… your habits will…” emphasizing transformational habits.
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein
This quote points to the value of trying despite risks. It could be condensed using ellipses to “a person who never made… never tried anything new,” emphasizing the importance of experimentation.
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
This highlights personal agency. Using ellipses could give us “life is what we make it… always has been… always will be,” focusing on our power to shape our lives.
“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats
This quote encourages initiative. We could write it as “do not wait to strike… but make it hot… by striking,” stressing the need to create opportunities through action.
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar
This emphasizes personal growth over achievements. A shortened version using ellipses could be “what you get by achieving… not as important as what you become… by achieving your goals,” helping to clarify the meaning.
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
This reinforces resilience. A condensed quote with ellipses would read “we may encounter many… but we must… be defeated,” highlighting the journey through challenges.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
This suggests that our dreams lead us toward a brighter future. Using ellipses, we could say “the future belongs to those who… in the beauty… of their dreams,” reinforcing self-belief.
“A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.” –
This suggests that fear of failure can hold us back. If shortened with ellipses, it might be “a champion… is afraid of… losing,” focusing on the mindset of competitors.
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This reminds us to maintain perspective while dreaming big. It could be written using ellipses: “keep your eyes on… the stars, and… your feet on… the ground,” calling attention to striking a balance.
“One day or day one. You decide.” – Anonymous
This maximizes decision-making. Simply using ellipses could read “one day or… day one. You decide,” emphasizing the power of choosing to take action.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
This highlights passion in our undertakings. Using ellipses, it could read “the only way to… great work is… love what you do,” underlining the significance of enthusiasm.
“If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help build theirs.” – Dhirubhai Ambani
This reminds us to pursue our aspirations. A shortened version with ellipses might say “if you don’t build your… someone else will… help build theirs,” encouraging the pursuit of personal goals.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein
This advises us to focus on impact rather than accolades. With ellipses, we could say “strive not to be… but rather to be of value,” emphasizing the importance of meaningful contributions.
“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
This suggests that maintaining spirit through setbacks leads to success. If shortened with ellipses, it might read “success is walking… failure to failure… no loss of enthusiasm,” emphasizing resilience.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This highlights the need to appreciate the process. It could be quoted as “life is a… journey, not… a destination,” focusing on the moments we experience.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
This stresses that our consistent actions define us. With ellipses, it could read “we are what we… do. Excellence, then, is not an act… but a habit,” emphasizing commitment to quality.
“Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.'” – Napoleon Hill
This quote urges us to take opportunities without delay. A shortened version could read “do not wait; the time… will never be ‘just right,'” focusing on seizing the moment.
“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” – Tim Ferriss
This suggests that confronting our fears is essential for growth. Using ellipses, we might say “what we fear doing most… is usually what we most need to do,” emphasizing courage and exploration.
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
This highlights the significant influence of our responses. If shortened with ellipses, it might read “life is 10%… what happens… 90% how we react,” emphasizing the need for an active outlook.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This quote encourages resourcefulness and initiative. Using ellipses may transform it to “do what you can… with what you have… wherever you are,” driving the idea of taking charge.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This inspires us to take responsibility for our values. If we use ellipses, it could say “you must be the change… you wish to see in…” focusing on personal accountability.
“Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” – Roy T. Bennett
This quote focuses on making an impact rather than just achievements. A version using ellipses could read “success is not how high… you have climbed, but how you… a positive difference…” emphasizing contributions.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.” – Anatole France
This emphasizes action combined with vision and belief. Using ellipses, it may read “to accomplish great things, we must… not only act… also believe,” reminding us that dreaming is just as important as doing.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This quote conveys self-belief as essential for achievement. A shortened version could be “believe you can… and you’re halfway there,” underlining how the right mindset propels us forward.
“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” – George S. Patton
This quote emphasizes resilience. Using ellipses, it might say “success is how high you bounce… when you hit bottom,” which stresses the importance of recovery and persistence.
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
This quote teaches that our reactions greatly shape our experiences. If we use ellipses, we might say “life is 10%… what happens to us… 90% how we react,” highlighting the impact of our mindset.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
This quote reiterates that focusing on work can naturally lead to success. Written with ellipses, it could say “success usually… too busy to be… looking for it,” conveying the essence of dedication.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
This encourages us to take chances. We could shorten it to “you miss 100% of… the shots you don’t take,” showing that action is necessary for opportunities.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
This quote underlines the value of individual actions. With ellipses, it could read “act as if what you do… makes a difference. It does,” reinforcing the significance of personal responsibility.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
This encourages maintaining a positive attitude. A condensed version using ellipses might be “keep your face… toward the sunshine—and shadows will…” emphasizing optimism as a guiding force.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote highlights our internal strength overshadowing external circumstances. If condensed using ellipses, we might say “what lies behind us… tiny matters… what lies within us,” emphasizing inner resilience.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu
This quote highlights the importance of starting any journey. By using ellipses, it could be adjusted to “the journey of a thousand miles… begins with… one step,” underscoring initial efforts.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
This encourages us to take charge of our destinies. Using ellipses, it might say “the best way to predict… your future is to create it,” focusing on proactive behavior.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
This reminds us that our actions have an impact. A shortened version might be “act as if what you do… makes a difference. It does,” reiterating our importance in affecting change.
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
This highlights continuous opportunities for renewal. Using ellipses, we would say “every moment is… a fresh beginning,” encouraging embracing new starts at any time.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
This advises us to find passion in our endeavors. A version with ellipses might read “the only way… to do great work is… to love what you do,” focusing on enthusiasm’s role in achievement.
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This quote encourages us to balance dreaming with practicality. When using ellipses, it may say “keep your eyes… on the stars… and your feet on the ground,” reinforcing that both aspirations and reality have their place.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to use ellipses can significantly improve our writing. They allow us to present quotes in a clear and concise manner while maintaining the essence of the original message. We can take certain key phrases from longer quotes that resonate with us, making our text more engaging without losing meaning. This not only applies to quotes but to any text we might condense for clarity.
As we work with quotes, we can become more empowered in how we communicate ideas. Keeping ellipses in mind means we can focus on what matters most in our writing. So, whether we are crafting an essay, writing an article, or even sharing on social media, we can use ellipses effectively to represent others’ wisdom.
If you’re interested in exploring more about writing techniques, check out Ellipses In Quotes or find out Do You Put Song Titles In Quotes? for additional insights!