What does the ellipsis (...) suggest in writing?

The ellipsis (...) is a punctuation mark typically used in writing to indicate a pause or hesitation in thought. It can imply that something has been left unsaid or that there is a trailing off of thoughts. This usage is effective in conveying uncertainty, suspense, or a moment of reflection, allowing readers to sense the emotional or psychological state of the speaker or writer.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the function of an ellipsis. A complete thought would normally not require an ellipsis, as it suggests closure and definitiveness. A strong statement would also typically be punctuated with exclamation points or more definitive punctuation rather than an ellipsis, which implies a lack of finality. Lastly, a direct quote is usually indicated with quotation marks rather than an ellipsis, which could signify omitted text within a quote, pointing to an incomplete thought rather than a complete citation of someone’s words.