The APA 7th edition style guide offers comprehensive rules for academic writing, and understanding the correct usage of ellipses is crucial for maintaining clarity and accuracy in your work. This guide provides a definitive resource for mastering ellipses within the framework of APA 7th edition. We'll cover everything from basic usage to more nuanced scenarios, ensuring you confidently handle ellipses in your research papers, dissertations, and other academic writings.
What is an Ellipsis?
An ellipsis (...) is a series of three equally spaced dots used to indicate an omission of words or sentences within a quotation. It's a vital tool for condensing lengthy quotations while preserving the original meaning and grammatical integrity. Misusing ellipses can lead to misinterpretations, so understanding their correct application is paramount.
When to Use an Ellipsis in APA 7th Edition
Ellipses are employed to shorten quotations without altering their intended message. However, they should be used judiciously. Avoid using them excessively, as it can disrupt the flow and readability of your work. The primary situations where ellipses are appropriate include:
- Omitting words within a sentence: If you remove words from the middle of a sentence, use an ellipsis to indicate the omission. For example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Shortened quote: "The quick brown...dog."
- Omitting words between sentences: When removing entire sentences or parts of sentences between complete sentences, use an ellipsis with a space before and after it: "... "
Original quote: "The cat sat on the mat. The dog barked loudly."
Shortened quote: "The cat sat on the mat.... The dog barked loudly."
- Omitting the beginning or end of a sentence: When omitting words from the start of a sentence, use an ellipsis immediately following the first word of the shortened sentence. When omitting words from the end of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by the appropriate sentence ending punctuation (period, question mark, or exclamation mark).
Original quote: "He went to the store and bought milk."
Shortened quote: "...and bought milk."
Original quote: "Did you go to the store?"
Shortened quote: "Did you go... ?"
What are the Specific APA 7th Edition Rules for Ellipses?
The APA 7th edition offers specific guidelines for using ellipses:
- Space before and after the ellipsis: Always include a space before and after the ellipsis when omitting material between sentences. Omitting material within a sentence requires no space before the first dot, but a space after the final dot.
- Brackets for clarity: If you need to add words within a quotation to make it grammatically correct after shortening it, enclose these words in brackets [ ].
- Avoid misleading omissions: Don't use ellipses to change the meaning of the original text. If the omission alters the original author's intended message, you must clearly indicate this.
- Ellipsis at the beginning or end of a quotation: If the omission is at the beginning or end of a sentence, then you omit the initial or ending ellipses. This means you won't start with an ellipsis followed by a space unless there are omitted words within a sentence at the start of the quote.
How to Use Brackets with Ellipses
When using brackets with ellipses, follow this format:
"[Added words]...[Added words]."
This technique makes it crystal clear which words are your additions and clarifies any grammatical adjustments you've made.
How to Avoid Misusing Ellipses
The most common mistake is altering the meaning of the original quote. Always ensure that your ellipses maintain the original author's intended meaning. If you're unsure, it's always better to quote the full passage or rephrase it in your own words.
Examples of Correct Ellipsis Usage in APA 7th Edition
Let's examine some practical examples of correctly using ellipses in APA 7th Edition:
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Example 1: "The study found that... participants showed a significant improvement." (Omitting words within a sentence.)
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Example 2: "The initial findings were promising. ...Further research is needed to confirm these results." (Omitting a sentence between complete sentences.)
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Example 3: "...the results suggest a correlation between the two variables." (Omitting words at the beginning of a sentence.)
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Example 4: "The conclusion states that further investigation is warranted.... " (Omitting words at the end of a sentence. Note the final period.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an ellipsis at the beginning of a quote?
Yes, if you are omitting words from the beginning of the original sentence. However, you should not place a space before the ellipsis in this case.
Can I use an ellipsis at the end of a quote?
Yes, if you are omitting words from the end of the original sentence. You don't need an additional period after the ellipsis if the original sentence ends with a period. However, retain any other original punctuation (question mark or exclamation mark).
What if my omission changes the meaning of the original quote?
You should not use an ellipsis if it would alter the meaning of the original quote. In this case, it's better to paraphrase the material instead.
How many dots should an ellipsis have?
Always use three equally spaced dots.
This comprehensive guide provides a clear and thorough understanding of how to use ellipses correctly in APA 7th edition. By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently integrate quotations into your academic work while maintaining accuracy and precision. Remember, the key is to maintain the original author's meaning and clarity in your writing.
