The ellipsis (...), those three little dots, might seem insignificant, but in academic writing, particularly when following APA style, their proper use is crucial for maintaining clarity and accuracy. Misusing ellipses can distort the original meaning of a quote and undermine the credibility of your work. This guide will clarify APA's guidelines on ellipses, ensuring your writing is both accurate and compliant.
What are Ellipses Used For in APA Style?
In APA style, ellipses are used to indicate omissions within a direct quote. They show that you've removed words, phrases, or even sentences from the original source. This is essential when you only need a portion of a quote to support your point, avoiding unnecessary length and maintaining the flow of your writing. However, it's vital to use them correctly to avoid misrepresentation.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Style
The rules for using ellipses in APA are straightforward but require attention to detail:
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Omitting words within a sentence: If you remove words from the middle of a sentence, place three dots with a space before, between, and after each dot. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog..." becomes "...jumps over the lazy dog..."
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Omitting words at the beginning of a sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a sentence, begin your quote with an ellipsis. However, If the quote begins a paragraph, use an ellipsis and a bracketed paragraph symbol before beginning the altered quote: “[ … ]”.
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Omitting words at the end of a sentence: If you omit words from the end of a sentence, use three ellipses followed by a period. This creates four dots. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The end." becomes "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...."
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Omitting entire sentences: If you omit entire sentences, you still need ellipses, but the formatting depends on context. If multiple sentences are removed mid-paragraph, use three ellipses with spaces between the periods. If multiple sentences are removed from the beginning or end of a paragraph, use the bracketed paragraph symbol “[ … ]”
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Never alter the meaning: The most critical rule is to never use ellipses in a way that changes the original meaning of the quote. Only omit words that do not affect the core message. If a crucial piece of information needs to be removed, reword the quotation or find another source.
When Are Ellipses Not Necessary in APA?
You don't need ellipses if you're quoting a complete sentence or paragraph. Only use ellipses to indicate omissions.
What if I need to add words to a quotation?
If you need to add words to a quotation for clarity, enclose the additions in square brackets [ ]. For example:
"The dog [happily] wagged its tail."
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Ellipses in APA
- Incorrect spacing: Ensure there is a space before, between, and after each dot (unless it's at the end of a sentence, where it's followed by a period).
- Changing the meaning: Avoid omitting words that alter the author's intended message.
- Overusing ellipses: Use them judiciously; too many ellipses can make your writing cumbersome and unclear.
FAQs on Ellipses in APA Style
How many spaces should be between the ellipses?
There should be one space between each dot in an ellipsis (...).
Can I use an ellipsis at the beginning of a quote?
Yes, if you are omitting material from the beginning of the original sentence. If you omit material from the start of a paragraph, use “[ … ]”.
What happens if the original quote contains an ellipsis?
Maintain the original author's ellipses. Do not add your own ellipses to indicate further omissions before or after the original ellipsis.
By carefully following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of ellipses in APA style is accurate, clear, and reflects the highest standards of academic integrity. Remember, precision in citation is paramount in academic writing. Proper use of ellipses demonstrates attention to detail and strengthens the credibility of your work.
