The seemingly simple ellipsis (...) can be a source of significant frustration in academic writing, particularly when adhering to the strict guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. Understanding how to use ellipses correctly within APA style is crucial for maintaining clarity, avoiding plagiarism accusations, and ensuring your work meets professional standards. This guide will clarify the rules and help you confidently navigate the intricacies of ellipses in your APA papers.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
Ellipses are three periods (...) used to indicate the omission of words from a quoted passage. They signal to the reader that material has been removed, maintaining the original meaning while shortening the quote for brevity or relevance. However, their use within APA style is governed by specific rules that differ from general punctuation conventions. Incorrect use can lead to misinterpretations and even accusations of altering the original author's intent.
When Should You Use Ellipses in APA Style?
You should use ellipses only when omitting words within a quoted sentence. You should not use them at the beginning or end of a quote unless omitting material there is necessary. The key is to ensure the meaning of the original quote remains intact and unaltered. For instance, you would use an ellipsis if you want to shorten a lengthy sentence while retaining its core message.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Style
- Within a Sentence: When omitting words from within a sentence, place three periods with a space before and after the ellipsis. For example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
APA-formatted shortened quote: "The quick brown fox...jumps over the lazy dog."
- Omitting Sentences: When omitting an entire sentence or more from a quotation, you should use three periods and a space after the last word of the preceding sentence before moving to the next part of the quote.
Original quote: "The sun shone brightly. The birds sang sweetly. The day was beautiful."
APA-formatted shortened quote: "The sun shone brightly....The day was beautiful."
- Omitting Material at the End of a Sentence: If you're omitting material at the very end of a sentence, use three periods followed by the closing punctuation mark of the original sentence, even if it's a period. This gives the reader a clear indication that an incomplete sentence is a result of your omission.
Original Quote: "The experiment concluded successfully." APA-formatted shortened quote: "The experiment concluded..."
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Omitting Material at the Beginning of a Sentence: Do not use ellipses at the beginning of a quote unless you are omitting words in that sentence. If you begin a quote mid-sentence and only omit words from that sentence, you should use an ellipsis.
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Using Brackets to Add Clarification: If you need to add clarifying words or make alterations to the quote to maintain grammatical sense after omitting words, use bracketed information instead of altering the original punctuation.
How Many Spaces Should Follow an Ellipsis?
This is often a source of confusion, but the correct APA style only necessitates one space after the ellipsis. This is a crucial aspect of proper formatting.
What Happens If I Omit the Beginning or End of a Quote?
As mentioned previously, you should not use ellipses at the beginning or end of a quote unless you are omitting words from within the sentence at the beginning or end of the quote. If you start a quote mid-sentence you should use an ellipsis if you omit words, and omit the ellipsis if you don't omit words. If you are beginning or ending a quote with a complete sentence, no ellipses are necessary. Simply quote the relevant portion of the text.
What if the Original Source Uses Ellipses?
If the original source already includes ellipses, you should retain them as they are. Do not add your own ellipses unless you are further shortening the quotation.
How can I avoid accidental plagiarism when using ellipses?
Always carefully consider the impact of your omissions. Ensure that removing words doesn't alter the original author's meaning or create a misleading impression. Accurate and ethical quotation is paramount.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use ellipses in your APA-style writing, avoiding common errors and upholding academic integrity. Remember, clarity and accuracy are key in academic work, and proper ellipsis use contributes significantly to both.
