Using ellipses correctly in APA style is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and clarity. This guide provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the rules surrounding ellipses in APA style, ensuring your citations are both accurate and effective. We'll cover the basics and then delve into the nuances to avoid common pitfalls.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
Ellipses (...) are three equally spaced dots used to indicate the omission of words or sentences within a quotation. They're essential tools for brevity and clarity when incorporating source material into your writing. However, using them incorrectly can misrepresent the original author's meaning and undermine the credibility of your work.
When to Use Ellipses in APA Style
Ellipses are primarily used to shorten quotations while preserving the original meaning. You should only use them to remove material that isn't essential to your point. Never use them to alter the original meaning of the quote.
Here's a breakdown of the situations where ellipses are appropriate:
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Omitting words within a sentence: If you remove words from the middle of a sentence, use three dots. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." Could become: "The quick brown...lazy dog."
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Omitting the end of a sentence: If you omit the end of a sentence, use three dots followed by a period (four dots total). For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, and the sun shines brightly." Could become: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog..."
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Omitting a whole sentence or more: When omitting entire sentences, you would also use the three dots followed by a period. The same rules apply if you're omitting multiple sentences.
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Omitting material from the beginning of a quotation: While less common, you can omit material from the beginning of a quotation. In this case, begin your quotation with ellipses.
Things to Avoid When Using Ellipses
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Altering the meaning: This is the most critical rule. Never use ellipses to change the meaning of the original quote. If removing words alters the meaning, you should either use the full quote or find a different quotation that supports your point.
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Using too many ellipses: Overuse of ellipses can make your writing choppy and difficult to read. Strive for brevity but avoid excessive omissions.
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Inconsistent use: Maintain consistency in your use of ellipses throughout your work. Follow the rules outlined above consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to use brackets around ellipses in APA?
No. APA style does not require brackets around ellipses. However, brackets are used to indicate additions or changes made to a quotation for clarity. You would only use brackets in conjunction with ellipses if you needed to add clarifying words.
What if the original text already contains an ellipsis?
If the original text already contains an ellipsis, you should maintain it and continue with your own ellipsis as needed. This could potentially result in 6 dots in a row.
How do I handle ellipses within a block quote?
The rules for ellipses within a block quote are the same as those for regular quotations. However, remember to maintain the original formatting and indentation of the block quote.
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
While the rules above generally apply, there might be very rare circumstances where a departure is justifiable for clarity or to avoid ambiguity. Use your best judgment, prioritizing accuracy and clarity.
This guide provides a solid foundation for using ellipses correctly in your APA style writing. Remember that accurate citation practices are crucial for academic integrity. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your work is both accurate and appropriately represents the original source material.
