Is “ellipsis” singular or plural?
Ellipses is plural; ellipsis is singular. Ellipses (pronounced e-lip-sees) is the only plural form of the singular noun ellipsis. Why is ellipsis/ellipses an irregular plural noun? Keep reading to learn more.
What the definition of ellipsis?
Merriam-Webster defines ellipsis/ellipses as “marks or a mark (such as … ) indicating an omission (as of words) or a pause.” Ellipsis/ellipses are three dots or periods in a row, and when one appears in sentences, they indicate a strong pause (stronger than one from a period or comma).
Nouns that end in -sis/-ses
Ellipsis is an irregular noun since it doesn’t end in the standard plural noun suffix of -s/-es. The same as other irregular nouns, ellipsis belongs to the category of Greek nouns that end in -sis/-ses (as a plural.) See the chart:
| singular | plural |
| parenthesis | parentheses |
| crisis | crises |
| diagnosis | diagnoses |
| oasis | oases |
| synopsis | synopses |
| thesis | theses |
Examples of ellipsis used in sentences
Today … we vetoed the bill.
After school I went to her house … and then came home.
Ellipses save space or remove material that is less relevant.
Why would he do that . . . ?
I was thinking . . . maybe we should call home.
Origin of the word ellipsis
From etymonline on ellipsis:
From Greek elleipsis “a falling short, defect, ellipse in grammar,” noun of action from elleipein “to fall short, leave out,” from en- “in”.
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Sources
- “Ellipsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ellipsis. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
- Harper Douglas, “Etymology of ellipsis,” Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed January 15, 2023, https://www.etymonline.com/word/ellipsis.
