Using ellipses correctly in APA style can seem daunting, but it's essential for maintaining academic integrity and clarity. This guide simplifies the process, clarifying when and how to use ellipses in your APA style papers. We'll cover the basics, address common mistakes, and answer frequently asked questions, ensuring you master this crucial element of academic writing.
What are Ellipses and Why Use Them in APA Style?
Ellipses (...) are three equally spaced periods used to indicate the omission of words within a quotation. In APA style, they signal that you've removed material from the original source to make it more concise or to focus on relevant information. Improper use can distort the original meaning, so accuracy is paramount. Using ellipses correctly demonstrates attention to detail and adherence to academic standards.
How to Use Ellipses in APA Style: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Omitting Words Within a Sentence: When removing words from within a sentence, place three spaced periods (...) where the words were removed. For example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Quote with ellipsis: "The quick brown...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 the quote with a capital letter after the ellipsis.
Original quote: "He went to the store and bought milk."
Quote with ellipsis: "...and bought milk."
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Omitting Words at the End of a Sentence: If omitting words at the end of a sentence, add three spaced periods followed by a final period to indicate the end of the sentence.
Original quote: "The sun is shining brightly today."
Quote with ellipsis: "The sun is shining brightly..."
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Omitting Multiple Sentences: When omitting entire sentences, use three periods followed by a space, then a capital letter for the beginning of the next sentence.
Original quote: "The dog barked loudly. The cat hissed in response. They hated each other."
Quote with ellipsis: "The dog barked loudly...They hated each other."
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Omitting Material Across Paragraphs: In such cases, use four periods to mark the omission between paragraphs. The first three periods represent the omitted material, and the final period stands for the end of the previous sentence.
Original text: "The research shows conclusive evidence. The next step is implementation. We are excited about the implications. This will change everything."
Quote with ellipsis: "The research shows conclusive evidence....This will change everything."
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellipses in APA
When should I not use ellipses?
You should avoid using ellipses if the omission changes the original meaning of the quote. Only omit words that are truly unnecessary for your argument. Always strive for accuracy and transparency.
Can I use ellipses at the beginning and end of a quote?
Yes, you can use ellipses at the beginning and end of a quote to indicate that you've omitted material from both the beginning and the end.
Example: "...the results were significant...."
What if the original text already contains ellipses?
If the original text includes ellipses, you should retain those ellipses. You can add your own ellipses as needed to indicate further omissions.
How do I handle ellipses within block quotes?
In block quotes, the ellipses should follow the rules above, but maintain the formatting of the block quote. Remember that block quotes are indented and usually don't include quotation marks.
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
While these guidelines generally apply, always consult the most current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
By carefully following these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly use ellipses in your APA style papers, ensuring clear, accurate, and well-formatted citations. Remember, clarity and integrity are paramount in academic writing.
