Causes Quote by Bergen Evans
“Speech is highly elliptical. It would scarcely be endurable otherwise. Ellipsis is indispensable to the writer or speaker who wants to be brief and pithy, but it can easily cause confusion and obscurity and must be used with skill.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Language, 1965
Ellipsis allows brevity but can cause misunderstanding if not used skillfully.
In simple terms: Ellipsis shortens speech but may confuse.
Key Takeaway
Use ellipsis deliberately, with clarity.
Themes
communication
writing
clarity
Mood
analytical
instructive
Type
educational
literary
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- editing
- teaching
- creative writing
Key Concepts
rhetoric
conciseness
Questions to Reflect On
- When does brevity become ambiguity?
- How can you ensure clarity while being concise?
A Different Perspective
Relying too much on ellipsis can obscure meaning.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)