format this!!

[macneacail]

can one use the ... for a lapse in time?

how about a pause?

is the old dash - better?

thanks

[Noah1]

This is by no means a "rule," but using different ellipses marks can denote different things.

(despite what is commonly stated, both ... and - are ellipsis marks. Hell, even a * can be an ellipsis. But, most people mean ... when saying ellipsis)

Anyway, ... is used to either show a pause in dialogue or the omission of a word(s), such as:

TOM
But, I...can we
just go?

It can also be used at the end of a sentence to indicate that the dialogue trails off/fades out.

TOM
But, I...

A tear runs down his cheek.

MARCY
Come on. Let's get
out of here.

The dash/dashes, - or -- , are used to indicate that someone has been cut off by the next person, as in:

TOM
But, I-

MARCY
Look out!


Someone else can chime in about using beats.


HTH

[maestrowork]

... is used for hesitation or trailing off...

-- (em-dash) is used for interruption.

a (beat) is used for a short pause that is not action (you can always pause the dialogue with action), usually indicating a change of topics, etc. E.g.

JOHN
You know, my mother is
crazy. (Beat) Are you eating that?