Using ellipses correctly in APA style is crucial for accurate and ethical citation. An ellipsis (...) indicates an omission of words from a direct quote. Misusing them can distort the original meaning and even lead to accusations of plagiarism. This guide will clarify how to properly incorporate ellipses into your APA citations, ensuring your work is both academically sound and ethically impeccable.
What are Ellipses and Why Use Them in APA Citations?
Ellipses are three equally spaced dots (...) used to show that you've left out material from a quote. In APA style, they're essential for shortening lengthy quotations without altering the original meaning. Using them correctly demonstrates your understanding of proper citation and avoids misrepresenting the author's work. They show you've selected the most relevant portions of the quote to support your argument.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly in APA Citations
The rules surrounding ellipses in APA are fairly straightforward, but precision is key:
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Omitting words within a sentence: Use an ellipsis to indicate omitted words within the same sentence. For instance:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog..." becomes: "The quick brown fox...jumps over the lazy dog." (Note: No space before the first dot.)
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Omitting words between sentences: If you omit material that includes the end of one sentence and the beginning of another, use four dots—three periods to represent the ellipsis, plus an additional period to represent the omitted sentence's end punctuation.
Example: "The sun was shining. The birds were singing. It was a beautiful day." could become: "The sun was shining....It was a beautiful day."
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Omitting the beginning or end of a quote: If you're omitting the beginning of a quote, you don't need an ellipsis at the start. Similarly, if you omit the end of a quote, you don't need an ellipsis at the close, unless you've also omitted material within the quote itself.
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Brackets and Ellipses: If you need to add words to clarify a quote (using brackets), place the added words before the ellipsis if the omission comes at the end of the quote. If the omission is within the quote, the brackets go before the ellipsis.
Example: "The experiment showed [interesting] results... concluding the study."
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Avoid Misrepresenting the Author: The most crucial rule is to ensure the ellipsis doesn't alter the original meaning of the quote. If leaving out words changes the nuance or the overall message, you shouldn't use an ellipsis; instead, you should either quote the full passage or find a different quote.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect spacing: Remember, there should be no space before the first dot of an ellipsis, but a space after the last dot.
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Overusing ellipses: Only use an ellipsis when necessary to shorten a quote. Overusing them makes your writing look sloppy and unprofessional.
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Altering the meaning: The cardinal sin is using ellipses to change the quote's meaning. Always prioritize accuracy and ethical citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to omit multiple sentences?
If you're omitting multiple sentences, use the four-dot convention (three dots plus a period) to indicate the omitted sentences and their end punctuation. This makes it clear that whole sections of text are absent from your quote.
Can I use ellipses at the beginning of a quote?
No, you should only use ellipses to represent omitted words within the original quote. If the beginning of the quote is omitted, you don't need to indicate this with an ellipsis.
What if I'm quoting a quote that already contains an ellipsis?
In this unusual circumstance, you should retain the original ellipsis and add your own as needed, following the rules outlined above. Clarify in your work that you are quoting a quote.
Where can I find more information on APA style?
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the definitive guide to APA style.
By mastering the use of ellipses in APA style, you demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, upholding academic integrity and enhancing the credibility of your work. Remember, accuracy and ethical citation are paramount.
