… Versus ‘ …,: Do ellipses require commas?

The quick and dirty answer is NO!

The reality is that, as long as you are consistent, it doesn’t really matter.

In general, you should not use a comma after an ellipsis. The ellipsis itself is a sufficient pause or break in the sentence.

AI Overview

The Chicago Manual of Style states NOT to use a comma (or any punctuation) after the ellipsis. EXAMPLE: “I-I was thinking …” she stuttered nervously, “perhaps.”

However, in fiction writing, it is considered author style to use a comma in conjunction with the ellipsis. It is important to note that this is NOT the standard. EXAMPLE: “I-I was thinking…,” she stuttered nervously, “perhaps.”

Any of the approaches you mention can be valid when used consistently. But when you’re using an ellipsis character (or unspaced periods, which are similar) rather than three spaced periods in a manuscript that’s otherwise in Chicago style, put a space on either side of the ellipsis except immediately before another mark of punctuation:

  • This ellipsis … is in the middle of a sentence.
  • This one is at the end. … Note the space after the period.
  • This ellipsis is preceded by a comma, … with similar spacing.
  • What do you mean? … More of the same.
  • But when punctuation follows …, close it up to the ellipsis.
  • Is that wise …? We think so.

Do this whether you’re using the ellipsis to stand in for an omission (as in quoted text) or to signal a faltering or hesitation (as in fictional narrative or dialogue). But note that in fiction, periods and commas aren’t typically used next to an ellipsis (see this recent Q&A for more details).

The Chicago Manual of Style – Ellipses

I am including a link to ProWritingAid’s information. In general, it is good data. However, the information about Style or Manual guides is not quite accurate (if you look above you will see what they list for CMOS is not the same as what they list for ellipses). To me, this just proves that you need to be aware of what the true information is to make educated decisions yourself. And, again, it is really about staying consistent.

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