: Re: Need clarification on use of M-dash and ellipsis in screenplay, I've seen numerous conflicting sources on this I will try to explain the general idea I've gotten from the most trusted source

@Dunderdale623

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Rule of thumb: ellipsis for trailing out (or in), em-dash for turns and interruptions.

The ellipsis is usually more sedate, like when you run out of thought and are not sure what to say next. Em-dash is more intense pause — you got interrupted, you change the subject rapidly, you want to say the next thing but can't.

These rules are not set in stone. The two are often interchangeable, providing merely a slightly different emphasis on the nature of the pause.

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