How to Write an Aposiopesis
Aposiopesis can be used to emphasize something by not saying it. When someone yells, “I’ll get you for this! Or else–!” The space after “Or else” allows the listener to imagine potential threats. This is sometimes stronger than providing the actual threats in mind. In order to use aposiopesis,
- Identify the important subject. This information may be best if left unsaid or, it may be emphasized by being left out.
- Where that information would usually be presented, insert a space using an em-dash (–) or ellipsis (…).
Here are a few examples of how to turn a normal expression into an expression using aposiopesis:
1. Recently, you were in an argument with a friend while in public. He had an outburst and began yelling and screaming. It would be more dramatic to leave out the part where he flipped over a table and was kicked out.
- Normal Expression:
We had a terrible argument. He was yelling, and then he had an outburst, and he even flipped over a table and got kicked out!
- Expression Using Aposiopesis:
We had a terrible argument. He was yelling, and– he– I can’t even say what he did in public.
Using aposiopesis, the most upsetting information is left out.
2. You have just received an absolutely beautiful necklace from your mother as a gift. It would be sweet to say thank you and to describe it as beautiful, pretty, or intricate. You feel overwhelmed by what a great gift it is.
- Normal Expression:
Wow! Mom, I love it! It’s beautiful, pretty, and intricate. Thank you so much.
- Expression Using Aposiopesis:
Wow! Mom, I love it! It’s… it’s… Wow. Thank you so much.
In order to emphasize how truly amazing the necklace is, you remain speechless by using aposiopesis.