"..." In E-mail

As my regular readers know, I constantly remind folks to use proper sentence structure and grammar when composing their e-mails. I pretty much leave it at that -- I am not a grammar writer or and English language major. I too am constantly working on my writing skills and am always amazed at how much there is still to learn about communicating with the written word.

Being I am all about e-mail etiquette -- which keeps me pretty darn busy as it is, could you imagine if I were to tackle every possible poor writing example or lack of grammar that drove someone crazy? No me -- not my forte.

That said, I've had several requests recently to address the use of trailing periods at the end of sentences.

"R" writes:

Hello, Judith. Thank you for providing your E-mail Etiquette site - it is a resource I wish more would take the time to review. I have a silly question for you that I thought I would get your input on. I have a friend who finishes her phrases with ".....". What does this mean? I find it very annoying as if they have something else they want to say but won't. Is this proper Netiquette? Thanks. R

Ending a phrase or sentence with "..." could mean different things depending on the content and tone of the e-mail in question. I do that on occasion when apropos.

To do this at the end of every sentence is not appropriate and lends to cryptic communications, however, there are times where it is O.K. Just like anything that has to do with how you use technology, discretion is key.

I think it means the opposite of having something to say but won't. In my experience those who have this bad habit most likely don't know what more they can say on the topic.

On occasion, I'll use trailing periods when I keep getting asked the same thing in different ways by the same person as though that would change the answer. So, I'll end the sentence with "..." insinuating "what more can I say..." or "I'm at a loss ..." type of situations.

I really don't believe this is a Netiquette issue - more an issue of not communicating with clarity. One should only use trailing periods sparingly. Maybe you can ask your friend who does this in their communications what she meant if you are concerned?

I use trailing periods and never have had anyone be confused by my intent. If the intent is not clear, just ask.