Quoting sources accurately is crucial for academic integrity. The American Psychological Association (APA) style guide provides specific rules for incorporating quotations into your work, and understanding the use of ellipses is key to doing so correctly. This guide will clarify how to use ellipses in APA style, ensuring your quotes are both accurate and properly formatted.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
Ellipses (...) are three periods used to indicate the omission of words or sentences from a direct quotation. They show the reader that you've shortened the original text while maintaining its overall meaning and avoiding misrepresentation. Incorrect use of ellipses can lead to misinterpretations and compromise the integrity of your work. Mastering this skill is essential for any student or researcher.
When Should You Use Ellipses in APA?
You use ellipses when you want to shorten a quote without altering its original meaning. This is particularly helpful when dealing with lengthy quotes where only a specific portion is relevant to your argument. Here’s where careful consideration is needed:
- Omitting words within a sentence: If you remove words from the middle of a sentence, use ellipses to indicate the omission. For example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Shortened quote: "The quick brown... lazy dog."
- Omitting words between sentences: If you omit entire sentences, use ellipses to represent the removed text. Remember to place a period after the final word of the sentence you retain before inserting the ellipsis.
Original quote: "The sky is blue. The grass is green. The flowers are blooming."
Shortened quote: "The sky is blue... The flowers are blooming."
- Omitting the beginning of a quote: If you begin the quote mid-sentence, you do not need an ellipsis at the beginning. Only use an ellipsis to indicate omitted words within or at the end of the original quote.
Original quote: "…and then the sun rose, painting the sky with vibrant hues."
Shortened quote (Only using the end): "vibrant hues."
- Omitting the end of a quote: If you omit material from the end of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by a period. This indicates the omission and the end of the sentence.
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog and then runs away."
Shortened quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog..."
Things to Avoid When Using Ellipses in APA
- Altering the meaning: Never use ellipses to change the meaning of the original quote. If removing words changes the author's intended message, you should paraphrase or find a more suitable quote.
- Using too many ellipses: Excessive use of ellipses can make your writing seem choppy or unclear. Strive for concise, well-integrated quotes.
- Beginning a quote with an ellipsis (unless omitting the beginning): As mentioned earlier, only use an ellipsis at the start of a quote if you're omitting material from the very beginning of the original text.
How to Cite a Quote with Ellipses in APA
When you cite a quote with ellipses, follow standard APA citation rules. The page number should still refer to the page number of the original source, not just the section you've quoted.
Common Questions About APA Ellipses
How many periods are in an ellipsis?
There are three periods in an ellipsis (...). Be sure to use spaces between each period.
Should I use brackets around ellipses?
In APA style, brackets are not typically used around ellipses. However, if you need to add your own clarifying words to a quotation, you should use brackets around those added words, not the ellipses.
Can I use ellipses at the beginning and end of a quote?
Yes, you can use ellipses at both the beginning and end of a quote, but only if the original quote's beginning and end are being omitted. Remember to follow the rules concerning punctuation and the correct usage previously discussed.
Mastering the use of ellipses in APA style requires practice and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the accuracy and clarity of your quotations, strengthening the credibility of your academic work. Remember, accurate and ethical quoting is paramount in academic writing.
