The use of ellipses (...) in APA style can seem tricky, but mastering them is crucial for accurate and professional academic writing. Ellipses indicate the omission of words from a quoted passage. Using them correctly ensures that your citations are both precise and fair to the original source. This guide provides a clear and concise reference for using ellipses correctly within the APA style guidelines.
When to Use Ellipses in APA
Ellipses are used to show that you've removed words from a direct quote. This is essential when you only need a portion of a quote to support your point, or when the entire quote is too lengthy. However, it's vital to use them correctly to avoid misrepresenting the author's original meaning.
What to Do When Removing Words from a Quote:
-
Within a Sentence: When omitting words from within a sentence, use three spaced periods (...) to indicate the omission. For example:
"The quick brown fox...jumps over the lazy dog."
-
At the Beginning of a Sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a sentence, you still begin with three spaced periods. For example:
"...jumps over the lazy dog."
-
At the End of a Sentence: If the omission is at the end of a sentence, use three spaced periods followed by a period to indicate the end of the sentence. This results in four periods in total. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...."
-
Omitting Entire Paragraphs: If you omit entire paragraphs, use ellipses within brackets [...]. This clearly signals a larger omission than just a few words.
What to Avoid When Using Ellipses
-
Misrepresenting the Meaning: Never use ellipses in a way that alters the original meaning of the quote. If removing words changes the intended message, it's better to rephrase or find a different quote.
-
Overusing Ellipses: Only omit words when necessary. If you can use a shorter, complete quote, do so. Excessive use of ellipses can disrupt the flow and readability of your writing.
-
Unnecessary Omissions: Don't use ellipses to remove words that are not relevant to your point. Including these words doesn’t harm your paper, and omitting them could unintentionally change the meaning.
-
Ignoring Brackets: Remember to use brackets around ellipses when they indicate the omission of entire paragraphs or more extensive portions of text.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if the original quote already contains ellipses?
If the original source already includes ellipses, retain them. Do not add your own additional ellipses unless you are further omitting text.
Do I need to explain why I'm using ellipses?
In most cases, no. The use of ellipses is understood to indicate the omission of text. However, if the omission is significant or might otherwise be unclear, it's best to add a brief explanation in a footnote or a parenthetical comment. For instance, you could write "(...)" followed by a note clarifying that you omitted irrelevant information.
How do ellipses affect the overall formatting of my APA paper?
The use of ellipses should not drastically change your APA formatting. Ensure the ellipses are correctly spaced, and the rest of your citation and in-text quotation rules remain consistent.
Are there any specific rules about ellipses in block quotes?
The same rules apply to block quotes. However, you might need more ellipses when omitting multiple sentences or paragraphs within the block quote. Remember to indent the entire quote consistently.
Where can I find more information on APA style?
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide, consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your use of ellipses in APA style is accurate, consistent, and reflects best practices in academic writing. Remember, accuracy and clarity are paramount when using quotations in your academic work.
