Using ellipses correctly in APA style is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and accurately representing source material. An ellipsis (...) indicates the omission of words from a direct quote. Misusing them can distort the original meaning and lead to academic misconduct. This guide will clarify the rules and best practices for using ellipses in APA style, ensuring your citations are both accurate and ethically sound.
When Should I Use an Ellipsis in an APA Quote?
You use an ellipsis when omitting words from the middle of a quote. However, it's vital to remember that you should never alter the meaning of the original text. Omissions should be made only to condense the quote, not to change its core message. For instance, if you only need a specific portion of a lengthy sentence, you can use an ellipsis to show where the words have been left out.
How Do I Use an Ellipsis Correctly in APA Style?
In APA style, an ellipsis consists of three periods (...) with a space before and after. The placement of the ellipsis depends on where the omission occurs within the quote.
- Omission within a sentence: If you omit words from the middle of a sentence, use an ellipsis to indicate the removed words. For example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, and then it goes to sleep."
APA-style quote with ellipsis: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog...and then it goes to sleep."
- Omission at the beginning of a sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a sentence, you do not need an ellipsis at the beginning of the quote. The ellipsis only signifies omissions within the quoted material.
Original quote: "The sun shines brightly. The birds are singing."
APA-style quote with omission at the beginning: "The birds are singing."
- Omission at the end of a sentence: If you omit words from the end of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by a period. This gives you four periods total (….).
Original quote: "The dog barked loudly at the mailman, scaring him away."
APA-style quote with omission at the end: "The dog barked loudly at the mailman…"
- Omitting entire sentences: If you omit entire sentences, use an ellipsis to show the omission, maintaining the proper spacing and punctuation.
What if I Need to Omit Material from the End of a Sentence and Start a New Sentence with Part of the Original?
This is where precise ellipsis usage is crucial. You’ll use a period followed by an ellipsis to indicate that the first sentence ended and the new sentence began within the original source.
Original quote: "The cat sat on the mat. The dog chased the ball."
APA-style quote: "The cat sat on the mat… The dog chased the ball."
Can I Use Brackets in Conjunction with Ellipses?
Yes, you can use brackets [ ] to add your own words for clarification within an ellipsis quote. However, be extremely cautious when doing this; it should only be used to enhance clarity, never to change the meaning of the original text. This is a way of adding a brief explanation in your quotation without altering the quote itself. For example:
Original Quote: "The experiment was successful, although there were some unexpected results."
APA-Style Quote with Brackets and Ellipsis: "The experiment was successful…[despite some unforeseen difficulties]…"
What Happens if I Need to Omit a Complete Paragraph or More?
In such cases, use a full set of ellipses between square brackets: [...]
How Do Ellipses Affect My Overall APA Citation?
The use of ellipses doesn't change the basic rules of APA citation. You still need to provide a complete and accurate in-text citation along with the full reference in your references list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ellipses to shorten a long quote?
Yes, but only if you don't alter the original meaning of the passage. Remember to maintain the overall context and avoid misleading your reader.
What if the omission is at the very beginning and end of a quote?
You would only use an ellipsis at the end if you're removing words from the end of the original sentence. If it is the start and end of the original sentence, simply quote the part you need.
Are there any specific instances where ellipses shouldn't be used?
Ellipses should not be used to misrepresent the author's original intent. Always ensure your use of ellipses preserves the original meaning and context of the quote.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate ellipses into your APA-style writing while maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Remember, accuracy and ethical representation of source material are paramount in academic work.
