Using ellipses correctly in APA style can be tricky. These punctuation marks, those three little dots (...), signal omissions within a quote. Mastering their use elevates your academic writing, demonstrating precision and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of using ellipses in APA style, ensuring your writing is both accurate and impactful.
What are Ellipses and When Do I Use Them?
Ellipses represent omitted words, phrases, or sentences within a direct quotation. They are crucial for presenting only the relevant portions of a source while maintaining the original meaning and avoiding misrepresentation. You use ellipses when you want to shorten a quote without altering its intended message. Think of it as carefully pruning a quote to fit your context while preserving its essence.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Style
The rules surrounding ellipses in APA are specific. Here's a breakdown:
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Three dots only: Use three dots (...) to indicate an omission within a sentence.
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Four dots: Use four dots (... .) to indicate an omission at the end of a sentence. The fourth dot represents the sentence's period.
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Maintaining original meaning: Never use ellipses to distort the meaning of the original quote. Only omit words that are irrelevant to your point.
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Brackets around ellipses (optional): While not mandatory in all cases, some style guides suggest placing brackets around ellipses ([...]) for clarity, particularly when the omission occurs across sentences.
Examples:
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Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, and the dog barks loudly."
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Quote with ellipsis within a sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over...the lazy dog." (Omitting "the" and "brown")
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Quote with ellipsis at the end of a sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog... " (Omitting "and the dog barks loudly.")
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Quote with ellipsis across sentences: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. [... ] The sun sets in the west." (Omitting the intervening sentence).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too many ellipses: Overuse can make your writing choppy and difficult to read. Only omit words if absolutely necessary.
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Misusing ellipses to change meaning: Always ensure the omitted words do not change the original author's intended message.
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Forgetting the fourth dot: Remember the fourth dot at the end of a sentence.
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Inconsistent use of brackets: If you choose to use brackets around your ellipses, maintain consistency throughout your paper.
Handling Ellipses with Block Quotes
When using a block quote (a quote of 40 words or more), follow the same rules for ellipses as with shorter quotes, but remember: Indent the entire block quote. Ellipses will be incorporated within the indented text.
What if I need to omit the beginning of a quote?
You don't need an ellipsis at the beginning of a quote, unless you are omitting material from the beginning of the original text and the original sentence is not complete. Consider the following examples:
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Original: "This is a long sentence; however, we will only use part of it."
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Quote: "however, we will only use part of it." (No ellipses needed)
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Original: "He is tall. He is strong. He is kind."
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Quote: "...He is strong. He is kind." (Ellipses indicating omission from the beginning)
FAQ: People Also Ask
How do I show omitted text in an APA paper?
Use ellipses (...) to indicate omitted words within a sentence and four dots (... .) to show an omission at the end of a sentence. Remember to never alter the original meaning of the quote.
Do I need to use brackets around ellipses in APA?
While not strictly required by all style guides, brackets around ellipses ([...]) can improve clarity, especially when omitting material across sentences. Consistency is key; if you choose to use brackets, use them consistently.
Can I use ellipses at the beginning of a quote?
You generally don't use an ellipsis at the beginning of a quote unless you are also omitting text from the beginning of the original sentence. Use your judgment to maintain clarity and accuracy.
What if the original quote is already incomplete?
If the original quote is incomplete (e.g., a sentence fragment), you do not need to add ellipses to further signal incompletion.
Mastering the use of ellipses in APA style demonstrates your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to academic integrity. By following these guidelines, you'll elevate the quality of your writing and present your research with precision and confidence.
