The use and meaning of ellipsis depend on the context and the style guide you follow. Some common ways to use ellipsis are:

• Omission: Use brackets [. . .] to replace the words or sentences that you have left out from the original source, as long as you do not change or distort the meaning. ^{9 10}
• Pause: Use an ellipsis to indicate a break, a faltering, or a trailing off in dialogue or narration. This can create a sense of suspense, uncertainty, or emotion. However, do not overuse this device or replace periods with ellipses unless the pause is meaningful. ^{9 6}
• Unfinished thought: Use an ellipsis at the end of a sentence to suggest that there is more to say, but the speaker or writer has left it unsaid. This can imply mystery, confusion, or implication. Note that you still need a period before the ellipsis if the sentence is complete. ^{9 10}
• Style and format: Use an ellipsis according to the specific guidelines of the style guide you are using, such as MLA, APA, Chicago, or AP. Different styles may have different preferences for the spacing, punctuation, and formatting of ellipses. ^{9 4}