Using ellipses correctly in APA style is crucial for ethical and accurate academic writing. Ellipses (...) indicate omissions from a quoted passage. Misusing them can misrepresent the original author's meaning and lead to plagiarism. This guide will clarify how to use ellipses effectively within APA style citations.
What are Ellipses and Why Use Them in APA?
Ellipses are three periods (...) used to show that you've omitted words, sentences, or paragraphs from a direct quotation. In APA style, they are essential for:
- Brevity: Condensing long quotes to include only the most relevant information.
- Clarity: Focusing the reader's attention on the most important parts of a quote.
- Accuracy: Avoiding misrepresentation by clearly showing what has been removed.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Style
The rules surrounding ellipsis usage are quite specific within the APA style guide. Here's a breakdown:
1. Omitting Words Within a Sentence:
When omitting words from within a sentence, simply use three periods with a space before and after the ellipsis.
Example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Abbreviated quote: "The quick brown fox...jumps over the lazy dog."
2. Omitting the End of a Sentence:
If you omit the end of a sentence, use three periods followed by a period, resulting in four periods.
Example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog then slept."
Abbreviated quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...."
3. Omitting a Full Sentence or Multiple Sentences:
When omitting a complete sentence or multiple sentences, use three periods with a space before and after the ellipsis. Ensure that the remaining text still forms a grammatically correct and coherent sentence.
Example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog then slept. The fox went home."
Abbreviated quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog....The fox went home."
4. Omitting Material at the Beginning of a Quote:
If you are omitting material from the beginning of a quote, you do not need to use an ellipsis at the start. Begin your quote directly with the first word you are including.
Example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog then slept."
Abbreviated quote: "The dog then slept."
5. Brackets and Ellipses:
If you need to add clarifying words or make grammatical adjustments within an abbreviated quote, enclose your additions in square brackets [ ]. This is important to avoid misrepresenting the original.
Example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Abbreviated quote: "The quick brown...fox [quickly] jumps over the dog."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing ellipses: Don't use ellipses excessively; only omit words when it improves clarity and brevity. Overuse can make your writing appear choppy or confusing.
- Incorrect punctuation: Remember the specific rules for omitting sentence ends and adding clarifying brackets.
- Misrepresenting the original meaning: Always ensure the abbreviated quote maintains the original author's intended meaning.
Further Considerations
Remember to always cite the source properly in your references and in-text citations, even when using an abbreviated quote. Adhering to these guidelines ensures both academic integrity and the clear communication of your ideas. Consult the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ellipses to indicate a pause in a quote?
No. Ellipses in APA style are only used to indicate omissions of text. To indicate a pause, use the original punctuation provided by the author.
What if I only want to omit a few words and the quote is already short?
In some cases, omission may not be necessary. Consider whether the omitted words significantly impact the meaning. If not, including them might be preferable for clarity.
Where can I find more information on APA style?
The official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the definitive guide and can be found online or in libraries. Many universities also offer resources and guides on APA style.
