The humble ellipsis (...), those three little dots, can be surprisingly tricky to master, especially within the rigid framework of APA style. Used incorrectly, they can disrupt the flow of your writing and even alter the meaning of your quoted material. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to use ellipses correctly in APA style, ensuring your academic writing is both accurate and clear. We'll cover everything from basic usage to more nuanced situations, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maintain APA compliance.
What are Ellipses and When Should I Use Them?
Ellipses represent omitted words or sentences within a quotation. They signal to the reader that some portion of the original text has been left out. This is crucial for brevity and clarity, especially when quoting lengthy passages. You should use ellipses only when removing material within a sentence or between sentences. You should never use ellipses at the beginning or end of a direct quote unless the omission occurs at the very beginning or end of the original text.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Style
The APA style manual provides specific guidelines for ellipsis usage:
- Within a Sentence: When omitting words from within a sentence, use three periods with spaces between each: "...". For example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
APA-compliant quote: "The quick brown...lazy dog."
- Between Sentences: When omitting an entire sentence or more between sentences, use three periods with spaces between each, followed by a period at the end of the sentence: "... ."
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog is very lazy indeed."
APA-compliant quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...The dog is very lazy indeed."
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At the Beginning or End of a Quote: As previously mentioned, do not use ellipses at the beginning or end of a quotation unless the omission occurs at the very beginning or end of the original text. If you omit the beginning or end, simply begin or end the quotation where the original text starts or ends.
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Omitting Multiple Sentences: If you omit multiple sentences, still only use three periods with spaces between each, followed by a period at the end. This means no additional periods for each omitted sentence.
What About Brackets?
Sometimes, you might need to add words to clarify the meaning of a quote after omitting some text. In these instances, you should use brackets "[...]" to enclose your added words. This clearly distinguishes your additions from the original text.
Example: "The study concluded that [the results were statistically significant and] showed a strong correlation..."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too many ellipses: Overuse of ellipses can disrupt the flow and clarity of your writing. Only omit text when necessary.
- Using ellipses incorrectly: Remember the spacing rules and the conventions for omitting words within or between sentences. Incorrect usage can lead to misinterpretations.
- Failing to maintain the original meaning: Always ensure that your omissions do not change the original meaning of the quote. If there's any doubt, quote the full passage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ellipses to shorten a long quote in APA?
Yes, ellipses are acceptable for shortening long quotes, provided you follow the rules outlined above and don’t alter the original meaning of the quoted material. Always ensure the shortened quote still accurately reflects the original author’s intent.
Do I need to indicate the omission of multiple paragraphs with ellipses?
The standard practice in APA is to use only three periods with spaces (...) followed by a period if the omission includes complete sentences or the end of a paragraph. You do not need to denote each paragraph omission individually. Maintain the context of the quote, making sure the shortened passage makes sense.
What if the ellipsis falls at the end of my sentence?
If the omitted material occurs at the very end of the original quote, you end your quote with three dots and a period. For example: "The experiment showed promising results... ." However, if you're not omitting material at the very end, simply conclude your quotation at the last word of the original quote included.
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
While the guidelines provided are generally applicable, some specific situations might require minor adaptations. Always consult the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly use ellipses in your APA-style writing, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and proper attribution. Remember that proper use of ellipses is a key component of academic integrity. Properly used, they enhance readability without compromising the original author's work.
