A grammar question, please.
When writing dialogue and wanting to end a sentance in mid-thought, is a dash (--) or an ellipse (...) used? I've had sources that contradict each other. Should I choose one and stick with it?
I also have one source that says:: "The dash is used to indicate an abrupt break" and "The ellipse is used to indicate that a sentence trails off before the end". To me that would mean I would use both in my writing to indicate two different things.
"Everyone stay down I have a--" A shot echoed through the night and he folded to the ground, dead.
"I don't know what else it..." She chewed her lip, but didn't go on.
Yes? No? The sentences are so badly written I should just shoot myself?
When writing dialogue and wanting to end a sentance in mid-thought, is a dash (--) or an ellipse (...) used? I've had sources that contradict each other. Should I choose one and stick with it?
I also have one source that says:: "The dash is used to indicate an abrupt break" and "The ellipse is used to indicate that a sentence trails off before the end". To me that would mean I would use both in my writing to indicate two different things.
"Everyone stay down I have a--" A shot echoed through the night and he folded to the ground, dead.
"I don't know what else it..." She chewed her lip, but didn't go on.
Yes? No? The sentences are so badly written I should just shoot myself?