When I am writing dialogue, I often use ... (ellipsis) to indicate the character is searching for a word or briefly pausing for some reason. Or simply to show that a word or words were for some reason omitted. I use a dash at the end of a bit of dialogue to show the character was interrupted or that he wanted to leave a thought in the middle, without completing it.
"I ... ah ... I guess I'll try that."
"If I see you reach for that again I'll -"
or
"That guy is the ugliest person I've -"
"You're crazy, he's gorgeous!""
Some people tell me I should only use ellipsis and never a dash.
Is this correct?
"I ... ah ... I guess I'll try that."
"If I see you reach for that again I'll -"
or
"That guy is the ugliest person I've -"
"You're crazy, he's gorgeous!""
Some people tell me I should only use ellipsis and never a dash.
Is this correct?