Using ellipses correctly in APA style can be tricky. A misplaced or misused ellipsis can change the meaning of a quote, leading to misinterpretations and even academic dishonesty. This guide will clarify the rules and help you confidently use ellipses in your APA-style papers.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
Ellipses (...) are three equally spaced dots used to indicate the omission of words from a quoted passage. They're essential for accurately representing source material while keeping your writing concise. However, using them improperly can significantly alter the original meaning and create inaccuracies.
When Should I Use Ellipses in APA Style?
You should use ellipses when omitting words from the middle of a quote. This is crucial for preventing excessively long quotations and focusing on the most relevant information. Remember, your goal is to present the original source's meaning accurately, while keeping your work concise and readable.
How Many Spaces Should Be Between the Ellipses?
There should be only one space between each dot in an APA ellipsis. Avoid using additional spaces; this is a common mistake.
Where Do I Put Ellipses in a Quote?
The placement of ellipses depends on where the omitted words fall within the sentence:
- Middle of a sentence: Use an ellipsis to show omitted words from the middle of a quoted sentence. For example:
"The quick brown fox... jumped over the lazy dog."
- End of a sentence: If you omit words from the end of a sentence, place the ellipsis after the final punctuation mark of the truncated sentence. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog."...
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Beginning of a sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a sentence, do not use an ellipsis at the start of your quote. Only use an ellipsis to indicate an omission within the quoted sentence itself.
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Omitting entire sentences: When omitting entire sentences, use a period followed by an ellipsis. This clearly shows a break in the quoted passage. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumped. ...The dog slept soundly."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect spacing: As mentioned above, ensure there's only one space between each dot.
- Omitting essential words: Be mindful not to omit words that could alter the quote's meaning. Always prioritize accuracy.
- Inconsistent use: Maintain consistency in your application of ellipses throughout your work.
What if I Need to Omit Material at the Beginning and End of a Quote?
If you omit material from both the beginning and end of a quote, use an ellipsis at the beginning and end to indicate those omissions, as demonstrated earlier.
What if the Original Quote Already Contains an Ellipsis?
If the original source already contains an ellipsis, you should retain it as presented in the original text. Don't alter it.
How Do Ellipses Affect Brackets and Parentheses?
Brackets and parentheses are used to add clarifications or comments to your quote. If you add brackets or parentheses, you should place them after the ellipsis and before the final punctuation mark of your quote.
What if I'm Uncertain About Using Ellipses?
When in doubt, it is always better to quote the entire sentence or passage. Paraphrasing is another excellent alternative to avoid the potential pitfalls of ellipses.
This guide clarifies the APA style rules for ellipses, ensuring your writing is accurate and avoids misinterpretations. By following these guidelines, you can use ellipses effectively and maintain the integrity of your sources while presenting concise and engaging research. Remember, precision is key in academic writing, and correct use of ellipses contributes significantly to that precision.
