Something that students often find confusing is how to use an ellipsis in a sentence. We may see it employed all around us . . . and yet be uncertain how to use it ourselves.
In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie explores how to use the ellipsis as one of the four ways a period is used within a sentence.
Take a peek! And when you're done, I'll share a secret not only about ellipsis marks in a sentence but also how they connect to the secret of thriving, in learning and in life.
As you can see, when we place an ellipsis in a sentence we're showing that there's more than the eye can see.
Why an Ellipsis in a Sentence Might Have Four Dots
Have you ever noticed that sometimes writers use four periods or dots instead of three?
In my own video from the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, I share the reason we do this . . . and also a quote from the farmer and poet Wendell Berry that connects to the deeper, hidden power of the ellipsis.
Here we can see that an ellipsis in a sentence not only indicates that words have been left out, but also helps us see when we've moved on to a new sentence of a quote.
In other words, the ellipsis hints at the larger shape of things.
Taking Time to Pause . . . and Persevere
Ellipsis marks can also do something else important, something Mr. Berry alludes to in his quote.
In writing and in life, it can be essential to learn how to hang on in the midst of uncertainly and difficulty: "Out of the impasse, something will come that you'll be glad to know."
What does this have to do with the ellipsis?
As Marie pointed out in her video, an ellipsis in a sentence can also indicate a pause in thought . . . a kind of musing.
In my experience, when I'm confused or uncertain, one of the best things I can do is take a moment to pause, to muse, to strengthen myself in holding on.
That's what Marie did when she co-founded Cozy Grammar. She'd been diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to a year to live. Her friend David Mielke asked her how he could help and what she wanted to do in the time she had left.
She took the question in, mused for a moment, and then said, "I want to be . . . where cancer isn't."
This translated to her carrying out a long-held dream to teach grammar and punctuation as she'd always wanted to teach them—outside the classroom, away from chalkboards, in the context of nature and actual life.
What does this have to do with the ellipsis?
As Marie pointed out in her video, an ellipsis in a sentence can also indicate a pause in thought . . . a kind of musing.
In my experience, when I'm confused or uncertain, one of the best things I can do is take a moment to pause, to muse, to strengthen myself in holding on.
That's what Marie did when she co-founded Cozy Grammar. She'd been diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to a year to live. Her friend David Mielke asked her how he could help and what she wanted to do in the time she had left.
She took the question in, mused for a moment, and then said, "I want to be . . . where cancer isn't."
This translated to her carrying out a long-held dream to teach grammar and punctuation as she'd always wanted to teach them—outside the classroom, away from chalkboards, in the context of nature and actual life.
On location behind Marie's Cozy Beach Cottage.
Marie ended up living for five more years, filmed five courses, and recorded ten albums of classical piano music for learning, helping students around the world to thrive.
That's what can happen when we take time to pause, to muse, and to strengthen ourselves in holding on.
Music that Strengthens Minds
An important part of how Marie kept thriving in the midst of appointments and treatments and filming was playing her favorite pieces of piano music.
As a teacher she'd discovered how classical piano music can help students to become more calm, and at the same time, more alert in their bodies and minds.
Playing the piano helped to calm her mind and enliven herself . . . and also became the soundtrack to Cozy Grammar's courses.
So we are particularly delighted that Marie's fourth album, Mozart & Me, is now available for download.
We'll be releasing a new album from Marie each month for the next six months, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates.
Thank You!
Thank you for joining us. If you have any questions, feel free to reply directly to this message.
And don't forget to take time to muse . . . and to listen to music you love, wherever you may find it.
I hope this finds you and your family happy, healthy, and thriving!
Warmly,
Thomas
Marie's Language Consultant
The Cozy Grammar Series of Courses