Using ellipses correctly in APA style can be tricky. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, ensuring your academic writing is both accurate and polished. We'll cover the basics, address common mistakes, and delve into specific scenarios to help you master this often-overlooked aspect of citation and formatting.
What are Ellipses and When Do I Use Them in APA?
Ellipses (…), those three little dots, indicate an omission of words within a quotation. In APA style, they're crucial for presenting only the relevant portions of a longer quote while maintaining the original author's intended meaning. You wouldn't use ellipses to shorten a quote for conciseness; instead, you should only use them to remove words that are not essential to the point you're making. Improper use can misrepresent the original source, so precision is key.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA
The rules for ellipses in APA are quite specific:
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Space Before and After: Always place a space before and after the ellipsis. This is a critical element of proper APA formatting. Incorrectly placing the ellipsis without spaces is a common error.
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Beginning of a Sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a sentence, you should use an ellipsis after the first word of the quote. For example: “…the results support our hypothesis.”
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Middle of a Sentence: When omitting words from the middle of a sentence, place the ellipsis within the sentence where the omission occurs. Example: "The study showed…significant improvement in patient outcomes."
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End of a Sentence: If you are omitting material from the end of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by a period. Remember the space after the ellipsis and before the period. Example: "The experiment demonstrated conclusively…."
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Omitting Entire Sentences or Paragraphs: If you omit entire sentences or paragraphs from a longer quote, use an ellipsis with a space before and after the ellipsis to indicate that omission.
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Brackets and Ellipses: If you need to add words or make a change to clarify the meaning within an already abbreviated quote, use brackets [ ] around your additions. This is particularly important if you're changing the original case of a word for clarity.
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Avoid Overuse: Strive to use ellipses sparingly. If a significant portion of the original text is omitted, consider whether a shorter, more direct quote might be better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Ellipses
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Missing Spaces: The most frequent error is omitting the spaces before and after the ellipsis. Always include these spaces for correct APA formatting.
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Incorrect Placement: Ensure the ellipsis accurately reflects the omitted words within the sentence's structure. Incorrect placement can significantly alter the meaning.
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Overusing Ellipses: Using too many ellipses can disrupt the flow and make your quote difficult to read. Avoid overuse and choose the most concise and meaningful portions of the original text.
What if I'm Omitting Material from the End of a Block Quote?
For block quotes (quotes longer than 40 words), the omission of material at the end is indicated by placing the ellipsis after the last word before the omission, with no final period. Remember to indent the block quote according to APA style guidelines.
How Do Brackets Work With Ellipses?
If you need to clarify a word or phrase within a quote, you would use brackets. For example, "The study [was] conducted in 2023." However, if this clarification also involves an omission, you need to carefully use brackets in conjunction with the ellipses and adhere to proper spacing.
Can I Use Ellipses Within Parenthetical Citations?
No, ellipses should not be used within parenthetical citations. They are used solely to indicate omissions within quoted text.
What if I'm unsure?
When in doubt, consult the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the definitive guide on ellipses and other aspects of APA formatting. Your university's writing center may also offer helpful resources. Precise and accurate use of ellipses demonstrates attention to detail and enhances the credibility of your academic work.
