Using ellipses correctly in APA style is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and presenting your research accurately. An ellipsis (...) indicates the omission of words, phrases, or sentences within a quotation. Incorrect use can misrepresent the original source and lead to plagiarism, a serious academic offense. This guide will clarify how to use ellipses correctly in APA style, ensuring your work remains both accurate and ethically sound.
What is an Ellipsis in APA Style?
In APA style, an ellipsis is a series of three periods (...) used to show that you have omitted material from a direct quotation. It's essential to use ellipses responsibly, only omitting words that don't alter the meaning or context of the original quote. Removing crucial information can distort the author's intended message and is considered unethical.
When to Use an Ellipsis in APA Style
You should use an ellipsis when shortening a quotation, but only if the omission doesn't change the original meaning. Consider these scenarios:
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Removing unnecessary words: If a sentence contains extraneous words that don't significantly contribute to the core message, you can omit them using an ellipsis. For instance, if the original sentence is "The study showed, after extensive analysis and rigorous testing, that the hypothesis was correct," you could shorten it to "The study showed...that the hypothesis was correct."
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Omitting entire sentences: If a sentence or multiple sentences are irrelevant to your argument, you can omit them using an ellipsis. However, be sure the remaining quote still makes logical sense.
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Condensing long quotations: When dealing with lengthy quotes, ellipses help you present only the most relevant parts, improving readability without compromising the core argument.
How to Use Ellipsis Correctly in APA Style
Here's a detailed breakdown of the rules for using ellipses in APA style:
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Three periods: Always use three periods (...) to indicate an omission within a quote. Don't add spaces before or after the ellipsis.
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Brackets around ellipses: If the omission occurs at the beginning or end of a sentence, you generally do not need to add brackets. However, if you omit material from the middle of a sentence, enclose the ellipsis in square brackets [...]. This helps clarify that you've made an omission within the original sentence structure, rather than simply omitting a complete sentence.
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Maintaining original meaning: The most important rule is to ensure that omitting words does not change the meaning or context of the original quote. If in doubt, it’s always better to quote the passage in its entirety.
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Omission at the beginning or end: When omitting words at the beginning of a sentence, you would simply begin with the ellipsis followed by the words you are including. The same rule applies if you are only including the end of a sentence, ending the quote with an ellipsis.
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Omission within a sentence: If omitting words from the middle of a sentence, the ellipsis should be surrounded by square brackets. For instance: “The study showed […], that the hypothesis was supported.”
Examples of Correct Ellipsis Use in APA Style
Example 1 (Omission within a sentence):
Original Quote: "The researchers conducted extensive experiments, analyzed the data meticulously, and finally reached a significant conclusion."
APA Quote: "The researchers conducted extensive experiments […] and finally reached a significant conclusion."
Example 2 (Omission at the beginning of a sentence):
Original Quote: "After careful review of the data, the researchers concluded that the hypothesis was correct. This conclusion was supported by several independent studies."
APA Quote: "...the researchers concluded that the hypothesis was correct."
Example 3 (Omission at the end of a sentence):
Original Quote: "The study showed that the new treatment was effective, with significant improvements observed in all participants. The results warrant further investigation."
APA Quote: "The study showed that the new treatment was effective..."
What if I need to omit the last part of a sentence and add my own words in brackets?
Adding your own words in brackets [ ] is completely acceptable in APA. Make sure to make it clear what's the original quote and what's added.
Example: “The study concluded that climate change is a problem, [but failed to offer solutions].”
Consequences of Incorrect Ellipsis Use
Using ellipses incorrectly can lead to several problems:
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Misrepresentation of the source: Omitting crucial words can change the meaning of a quote, leading to a misrepresentation of the author's views.
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Plagiarism: If the omission changes the meaning or distorts the author's intent, it may be considered plagiarism.
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Weakened credibility: Incorrect use of ellipses can make your work appear careless and unprofessional.
Mastering the correct use of ellipses in APA style is vital for maintaining academic integrity and presenting your research accurately and ethically. Always prioritize clarity and accuracy when using quotations in your work.
