166

Is there a difference between \dots and \ldots, the ellipsis?

If yes: Which? When to use \dots and when to use \ldots?

If no: Why are there both at all?

Improve this question
2

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
160

in latex.ltx, \ldots is equated (\let) to \dots. so in text, it's the same, and you can use either.

with amsmath, the situation is more complicated; \dots tries to determine by context (only in math mode) whether to use \ldots or \cdots, with several more options for the author if amsmath doesn't get it right.

so in general, it's easier to just use \dots and not have to remember the details. but if the alternative chosen by amsmath isn't appropriate, the original commands can still be used explicitly.

Improve this answer
9
  • 11
    Thank you very much. :) I'm curious: Where or how to learn these things in the first place?
    – Foo Bar
    Commented Oct 15, 2012 at 15:16
  • 13
    @FooBar texdoc source2e is a good starting point :)
    – cmhughes
    Commented Oct 15, 2012 at 16:16
  • 3
    @FooBar and for the ams \dots see texdoc amsmath, of course.
    – Andrew Swann
    Commented Jan 18, 2015 at 14:09
  • 4
    An example I just run into: I placed a \dots between two \cdot and promptly they landed on the same height as them. Methinks this looks awkward and I used \ldots, forcing them into basement. Your esthetic may vary.
    – Hauke Reddmann
    Commented Oct 31, 2017 at 10:38
  • 3
    @Enderman -- I didn't reject the edit, but there was a distinct reason for not capitalizing anything. At the time I wrote this answer, I was one of the TeX support staff at the American Math Society (AMS), and distinguished between "official" statements and ones that were my own opinion by capitalizing or not capitalizing. This answer was not approved by the AMS; it was based on my own knowledge. You have altered history.
    – barbara beeton
    Commented Jul 6, 2022 at 18:25

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .