What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ellipsis
Example
The article used an ellipsis to show that some information had been left out. [ellipsis: noun]
Example
She paused, then said, 'I'm not sure...'. [ellipsis: punctuation]
omission
Example
The omission of key details made the story difficult to follow. [omission: noun]
Example
He deliberately omitted any mention of his ex-girlfriend from the conversation. [omitted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Omission is more commonly used than ellipsis in everyday language, as it has a broader definition and can be used in a variety of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ellipsis and omission?
Ellipsis is more commonly used in formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, where brevity and precision are important. Omission is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
