Quoting sources accurately is crucial for academic integrity. The American Psychological Association (APA) style guide provides specific guidelines on how to use ellipses (...) to accurately represent omissions within quotations. Mastering this skill ensures your research papers maintain both accuracy and readability. This guide delves into the nuances of using ellipses in APA style, offering clear examples and addressing common questions.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
Ellipses are three evenly spaced periods (...) used to indicate the omission of words, sentences, or paragraphs within a direct quotation. They signal to the reader that material has been removed without altering the original meaning or context of the quote. Improper use of ellipses can misrepresent the author's original intent, leading to inaccurate and potentially misleading citations.
When Should I Use Ellipses in APA?
You should use ellipses when you want to shorten a quote without changing its core meaning. This is particularly useful when a lengthy quote contains irrelevant information or when you want to focus on a specific section. However, remember to only omit material that doesn't impact the essence of the quoted text.
Using Ellipses Within a Sentence
When omitting words within a sentence, use three spaced periods to represent the removed words. Ensure that the remaining text still forms a grammatically correct sentence.
Example:
Original quote: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog, and the playful kitten chases the butterfly."
Quote with ellipsis: "The quick brown fox jumps over... the playful kitten chases the butterfly."
Using Ellipses Between Sentences
If you omit an entire sentence or more, use three spaced periods followed by a space, then begin the next part of the quote.
Example:
Original quote: "The experiment was successful. We observed significant changes in the participants' behavior. These changes aligned with our hypothesis."
Quote with ellipsis: "The experiment was successful... These changes aligned with our hypothesis."
Using Ellipses at the Beginning or End of a Quote
At the beginning of a quote, use an ellipsis only if the omitted material does not affect the grammatical integrity of the remaining quote. At the end of a quote, you don't need an ellipsis unless you are removing material that precedes a punctuation mark (more on that below).
Ellipses and Punctuation: A Delicate Dance
The placement of ellipses relative to punctuation marks requires careful attention.
Omitting Punctuation
If you omit material that includes a punctuation mark at the end of a sentence, retain that punctuation mark before the ellipsis.
Example:
Original Quote: "The results were inconclusive. Further research is needed."
Quote with ellipsis: "The results were inconclusive... "
Adding Punctuation
If your omission occurs at the end of your quote, avoid adding any additional punctuation unless it is already part of the original quote. In essence, you only add a final punctuation mark if the original quote ended with one.
APA Ellipses and Brackets: Working Together
Sometimes, you may need to clarify the meaning of a quote even after using ellipses. In this case, you can use brackets [ ] to add words for clarification. Never use brackets to replace omitted material; they should only be used for supplemental explanation.
Example:
Original quote: "The study showed a positive correlation between A and B."
Quote with ellipsis and brackets: "The study showed a positive correlation [between variables] A and B…"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use an ellipsis at the beginning and end of a quote?
Yes, you can use an ellipsis at both the beginning and the end of a quote if the omitted material at the beginning and/or end is not crucial to understanding the quoted information. However, always ensure that the resulting quote is grammatically sound.
How many periods should I use in an ellipsis?
Always use three evenly spaced periods (...) to represent an ellipsis in APA style.
What if I only omit a single word?
Even for a single word omission, you should still use three periods to show that an omission has occurred.
Should I use ellipses to shorten a quote significantly?
While you can use ellipses, if you are removing a large portion of the quote, consider if it's more appropriate to paraphrase instead. Extensive use of ellipses can make a quote difficult to read and understand.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively and ethically use ellipses within APA style quotations, ensuring the accurate and responsible representation of your sources. Remember, proper quotation techniques are fundamental to academic honesty and clear communication.
