The ellipsis—those three little dots (...)—might seem insignificant, but in APA style, they're crucial for accurately representing quoted material. Misusing them can lead to misinterpretations and even plagiarism accusations. This guide clarifies how to use ellipses correctly in your APA papers, ensuring your writing is both accurate and academically sound. We'll cover everything from basic usage to more nuanced situations, helping you confidently navigate this aspect of APA style.
What is an Ellipsis in APA Style?
In APA style, an ellipsis indicates the omission of words from a direct quote. It's essential to use them correctly to avoid altering the meaning of the original text. Think of the ellipsis as a signal to the reader that something has been left out, preserving the integrity of the quote while condensing it for your needs.
Basic Rules for Using Ellipses in APA
The fundamental rule is straightforward: use three spaced periods (...) to show omitted words within a sentence. However, there are important nuances:
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Omitting words at the beginning of a sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a quoted sentence, you begin your quote with a capital letter and add an ellipsis after. For example: "...the results were surprising."
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Omitting words at the end of a sentence: If you omit words from the end of a quoted sentence, place the ellipsis before the final punctuation mark. For example: "The study concluded that... ." Notice the period follows the ellipsis.
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Omitting words in the middle of a sentence: When omitting words from the middle of a sentence, simply insert the ellipsis where the words were removed. Make sure the resulting quote still makes sense grammatically.
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Omitting entire sentences: If you omit an entire sentence or more from within a longer quote, use four spaced periods (….) to indicate this omission. The fourth period represents the end of the sentence omitted. This makes it clear that more than just a few words have been removed.
How to Use Ellipses with Brackets in APA Style
Sometimes, you might need to add words to a quote to clarify its meaning or to make it grammatically flow better within your sentence. When you add words, use brackets [ ] to clearly distinguish them from the original quote. For example:
"The study found that [participants in the control group] showed no significant changes."
What if I'm Omitting the End of a Quote and Need a Bracketed Addition?
If you need to add words at the end of a truncated quote, place the brackets before the ellipsis. For example:
"The results suggest a strong correlation between... [further research is needed]."
What About Omitting Multiple Sentences or Paragraphs?
When omitting multiple sentences or even paragraphs, it's typically best to use a brief phrase like "et al." (and others), depending on the context, to avoid a quote that is too long and disjointed. Long omissions should only be employed in cases where the omitted material is entirely irrelevant to the point you are making. If substantial material needs to be removed, consider paraphrasing instead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too many ellipses: Only use ellipses when necessary to avoid creating a choppy or confusing quote. Sometimes, rephrasing or paraphrasing is a better option.
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Altering the meaning of the quote: Always ensure that your use of ellipses doesn't change the original author's intended meaning.
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Forgetting the space between periods: In APA, the periods within an ellipsis must be spaced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an ellipsis at the beginning of a quote?
Yes, you can use an ellipsis at the beginning of a quote to indicate that you have omitted material from the beginning of the original sentence. Remember to capitalize the first word after the ellipsis.
Should I use an ellipsis if I'm only omitting one word?
Generally, if you're omitting only one word, it’s preferable to simply integrate that missing word into your phrasing rather than using ellipses. The use of ellipses should be reserved for more substantial omissions.
How do I handle ellipses in block quotes?
In block quotes, the ellipsis is still used to indicate omissions, but it is placed at the end of the omitted section, in line with the rules already stated for quotations that are not block quotes.
Where can I find more detailed information about APA style guidelines?
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association provides comprehensive guidance.
By mastering the use of ellipses, you'll significantly improve the accuracy and clarity of your APA-style writing. Careful attention to detail in this seemingly small aspect of citation will elevate the professionalism and credibility of your academic work.
