Quoting effectively is crucial for academic writing. It allows you to support your arguments with credible evidence and demonstrate your understanding of existing scholarship. Within the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide, the use of ellipses (...) plays a vital role in accurately representing quoted material while maintaining clarity and brevity. This guide will demystify the use of ellipses in APA citations, ensuring you quote with confidence.
What are Ellipses in APA Style?
Ellipses are three equally spaced periods (...) used to indicate the omission of words or sentences within a direct quotation. They signify that you've shortened the original quote for conciseness, without altering its essential meaning. Mastering their use is key to ethical and accurate academic quoting. Incorrect use can misrepresent the original author's intent and damage the credibility of your work.
When Should I Use Ellipses in an APA Quote?
You use ellipses when you need to shorten a quote. However, it's crucial to do so ethically and without changing the original meaning. Here's a breakdown of appropriate usage:
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Omitting words within a sentence: If you remove words from the middle of a sentence, use ellipses to indicate the omission. For example:
Original quote: "The study showed a significant increase in participant engagement, and subsequent analysis revealed a strong correlation between engagement and improved learning outcomes."
Quoted with ellipses: "The study showed a significant increase in participant engagement...and improved learning outcomes."
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Omitting the end of a sentence: If you cut off a sentence before its natural conclusion, you need to add an ellipsis after the last word you include, followed by a period if it’s the end of your quote.
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Omitting one or more sentences: If you omit an entire sentence or several sentences from the original text, use ellipses to represent the missing material. Remember, the ellipses go within square brackets […]. This helps differentiate between an ellipsis used to show an omitted part of a sentence from one used to show the omission of one or more sentences.
Original Quote: "Participants completed a pre-test before the intervention. The intervention lasted for six weeks. Participants then completed a post-test. Results showed a significant improvement."
Quoted with ellipses: "Participants completed a pre-test before the intervention. […] Participants then completed a post-test. Results showed a significant improvement."
What About Omitting Material at the Beginning of a Quote?
In APA style, you do not use ellipses at the beginning of a quote unless you're omitting material from the original source's beginning. If you are beginning your quote mid-sentence, you simply start the quote where you intend without adding ellipses.
Are There Any Exceptions to Ellipses Use in APA Style?
Yes, there is one important exception. If you omit material at the beginning and within a quote, you only use ellipses to mark omissions within the quote itself. You do not place ellipses at the beginning.
How Do I Cite a Quote with Ellipses Correctly in APA?
The correct citation format for a quote with ellipses remains the same as for a standard quote: the in-text citation and the reference page entry will contain the full details of the original source. The ellipses only impact the quote itself. Remember to always strive for accuracy and transparency in your quoting practices.
How Do I Avoid Misrepresenting the Original Author's Meaning When Using Ellipses?
The ethical use of ellipses is paramount. Avoid using them to manipulate the original author's argument. Only omit material that's truly unnecessary for your argument while retaining the essence of the original author's message. Always review your quoted material to ensure it accurately reflects the author's intentions.
Where Can I Find More Information on APA Style?
For comprehensive guidelines and examples, consult the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The latest edition offers the most up-to-date rules and examples to guide you in all aspects of APA style.
By understanding and correctly applying these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate quotations into your academic writing, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to APA style. Remember, accurate and ethical quoting is crucial for maintaining academic integrity.
