PERIODS AND ELLIPSES

Rule 1. Use the period after an indirect question.

Example He asked where his suitcase was.

Rule 2. If the last word in the sentence ends in a period, do not follow it with another period.

Examples I know that M.D.  She is my sister-in-law.
Please shop, cook, etc.  I will do the laundry.

NOTE:  You may use only one space after a period at the end of a sentence because of software changes.

Rule 3. If words are omitted at the end of a quoted sentence, use ellipsis marks followed by the necessary ending punctuation mark.

Examples The regulation states, "All agencies must document overtime...."

The original sentence read:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document overtime or risk losing federal funds."

She said, "Can you tell me what happened to...?"

NOTE:  You may delete the spaces within the ellipsis marks.

Rule 4. If sentences are omitted between other sentences within a quotation, use ellipsis marks after the ending punctuation mark of the preceding sentence.

Example The regulation states, "Agencies may risk losing federal funds....  All agencies will be audited annually."

NOTE: One or two spaces follow before the next sentence.