The ellipsis (...), those three little dots, might seem insignificant, but in academic writing, particularly when adhering to APA style, they hold significant weight. Properly using ellipses is crucial for accurately representing sources and avoiding misinterpretations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of using ellipses in APA style, covering everything from basic usage to more nuanced scenarios.
What is an Ellipsis in APA Style?
In APA style, an ellipsis indicates the omission of words, phrases, or sentences from a direct quotation. It’s essential to use them correctly to maintain the original meaning and avoid altering the author's intended message. Misusing ellipses can lead to misrepresentation and even plagiarism.
Basic Rules for Using Ellipses in APA Style
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Omitting words within a sentence: When omitting words from within a sentence, use three periods with a space before and after the ellipsis (...). For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog..." becomes "...jumps over the lazy dog."
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Omitting the end of a sentence: When omitting the end of a sentence, use three periods followed by a fourth period to indicate the end of the sentence (....). For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog barks." becomes "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...."
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Omitting words between sentences: When omitting words or entire sentences between two complete sentences, use three periods with a space before and after each ellipsis to show the omission (...). Add a fourth period to mark the end of the sentence if the original sentence ended with a period. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog barks loudly. The cat runs away." becomes "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog....The cat runs away."
Using Ellipses with Brackets
Sometimes, you need to add clarifying words or phrases within an ellipsis to make the quote more understandable in the context of your writing. When doing so, enclose your addition in brackets [ ]. This helps to show exactly where and what has been altered, demonstrating accuracy and transparency.
When Not to Use Ellipses
Don't use ellipses at the beginning or end of a quotation unless the original quote began or ended with an omission. If the beginning or end of the quoted material is complete, do not add ellipses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too many ellipses: Overuse of ellipses can make your writing confusing and disrupt the flow. Only omit words when necessary for clarity and conciseness.
- Omitting essential information: Avoid omitting words that alter the meaning of the original text. If omitting words changes the meaning, you should rephrase or find a different quote.
- Inconsistency in spacing: Maintain consistent spacing around the ellipses. Always use a space before and after.
How to Cite Sources Correctly with Ellipses
Ensure that your in-text citations accurately reflect the page numbers of the original source, even if you've used ellipses to shorten the quote. The page number always refers to the original, unedited source.
Examples of Ellipsis Use in APA Style
Example 1 (Omitting words within a sentence):
Original Quote: "The study found that participants who exercised regularly reported significantly improved mood and reduced stress levels."
APA Quote: "The study found that participants who exercised regularly reported...reduced stress levels."
Example 2 (Omitting the end of a sentence):
Original Quote: "The results of the experiment were conclusive, demonstrating a clear correlation between the independent and dependent variables. Further research is needed to explore potential confounding factors."
APA Quote: "The results of the experiment were conclusive, demonstrating a clear correlation between the independent and dependent variables...."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use an ellipsis to indicate a pause in a direct quote?
No. Ellipses in APA style are solely for indicating omissions, not pauses. A dash may be more appropriate for representing a pause in a spoken quote.
What if the original quote already contains an ellipsis?
If the original quote contains an ellipsis, maintain it as is. You would then add your own ellipsis to indicate further omissions as necessary.
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
While these rules are generally followed, specific situations may require slight adjustments based on the context. Always prioritize clarity and accuracy when using ellipses.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to correctly use ellipses in APA style. By following these guidelines, you can accurately represent sources and maintain academic integrity in your writing. Remember to always prioritize clarity and accuracy in your scholarly work.
