The use of ellipses (...) in APA style can be tricky. Getting it right is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your citations and avoiding accusations of misrepresentation. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to use ellipses like a pro, ensuring your APA-style papers are both accurate and impactful.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
In APA style, ellipses are used to indicate omissions from a direct quote. They show the reader that you've removed words, sentences, or even paragraphs from the original source without altering its essential meaning. Using ellipses correctly is vital for ethical and accurate scholarship. Incorrect usage can lead to misinterpretations and even accusations of plagiarism.
When to Use Ellipses in APA Style
You should use ellipses when:
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Omitting words within a sentence: If you remove words from the middle of a sentence, use an ellipsis to indicate the omission. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...and then goes to sleep."
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Omitting the end of a sentence: If you omit the end of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by a period. This indicates the end of the original sentence. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog... ."
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Omitting one or more sentences: If you omit entire sentences, use an ellipsis, but ensure the remaining text still makes sense.
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Omitting paragraphs: If you omit entire paragraphs, use an ellipsis. This is less common but may be necessary in certain situations.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Style
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Placement: Place the ellipsis within the quotation marks. If the omission is at the end of the sentence within a longer quote, put the period after the ellipsis.
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Spaces: APA style traditionally requires spaces around the ellipses (…), however, some style guides are moving towards no spaces. Check with your institution or instructor for their preference. This guide will use spaces.
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Beginning and End of a Quote: Do not use ellipses at the beginning or end of a direct quote unless the omission occurs there. If you begin or end a quote mid-sentence, it is understood that some material has been omitted.
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Brackets and Ellipses: If you need to add words for clarity within an elliptical omission, place the added words in square brackets [ ]. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, [and it was quite a jump], and then goes to sleep."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overusing ellipses: Don’t overuse ellipses. Only omit material that is truly unnecessary to convey the main point of the quote. Excessive use can disrupt readability.
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Misrepresenting the original meaning: Always ensure that your use of ellipses doesn’t distort the original author's meaning. If omitting material changes the meaning, you should either quote the entire passage or rephrase it in your own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to omit the last word of the sentence being quoted?
You still need to include a period after the ellipses to show the end of the original sentence. For example: "The quick brown fox... ."
Can I use ellipses to indicate a pause or hesitation?
No. In APA style, ellipses are only used to indicate omissions from a direct quote. For pauses or hesitations, use other methods such as brackets for clarification or descriptive language within your narrative.
Is it okay to use ellipses before the first word of a quote?
No. Do not use ellipses at the beginning of a direct quote unless the original sentence begins mid-sentence.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of ellipses in APA style is essential for accurate and ethical academic writing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your citations are clear, precise, and reflect the original source material faithfully. Careful attention to detail will contribute to the overall credibility and impact of your research.
