The APA (American Psychological Association) style guide is widely used in academic writing across various disciplines. Mastering its nuances, including the proper use of ellipses, is crucial for producing polished and credible research papers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ellipsis usage in APA 7th edition, addressing common questions and potential pitfalls. We'll delve into the rules and best practices, ensuring you can confidently incorporate ellipses into your writing without compromising APA style.
What is an Ellipsis?
An ellipsis (...) is a series of three dots used to indicate an omission of words, phrases, or sentences within a quotation. It signals to the reader that something has been left out, maintaining the overall meaning while shortening the quoted material. Proper use of ellipses is essential for maintaining both accuracy and clarity in academic writing.
When to Use an Ellipsis in APA 7th Edition
Ellipses are used sparingly in APA 7th edition. They should only be employed when omitting material from a direct quotation, and even then, only when the omission doesn't alter the original meaning. Overusing ellipses can make your writing appear choppy and disjointed.
Key Considerations:
- Meaning Preservation: The primary rule is that the ellipsis should not distort the original meaning of the quote. If removing words changes the author's intended message, you should not use an ellipsis; instead, quote the relevant section in its entirety.
- Beginning of a Sentence: If you omit words from the beginning of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by a capital letter to start the new sentence.
- Middle of a Sentence: If you omit words from the middle of a sentence, use an ellipsis to mark the omission. Maintain the original capitalization of the words that follow the ellipsis.
- End of a Sentence: If you omit words from the end of a sentence, use an ellipsis followed by a period (making it four dots in total).
- Multiple Sentences Omitted: Use an ellipsis at the end of each sentence if you've omitted multiple sentences; each sentence should have its own final punctuation (period and ellipsis).
- Brackets for Clarification: When adding your own words for clarification within an ellipsis, always enclose them in square brackets [ ]. This helps distinguish your additions from the original text.
How to Use Ellipsis Correctly: Examples
Let's illustrate with some examples:
Original Quote: "The study revealed significant findings, supporting our initial hypothesis. Furthermore, the results suggest a need for further investigation."
Example 1: Omitting the Middle: "...supporting our initial hypothesis...suggest a need for further investigation."
Example 2: Omitting the Beginning: "...supporting our initial hypothesis. Furthermore, the results suggest a need for further investigation."
Example 3: Omitting the End: "The study revealed significant findings, supporting our initial hypothesis..."
Example 4: Omitting Multiple Sentences: "The study revealed significant findings...Further research is needed to explore these results..."
Example 5: Adding Clarification: "The study revealed significant findings [in relation to patient outcomes], ...suggesting a need for further investigation."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing Ellipses: Use them only when necessary to shorten quotations without changing their meaning.
- Incorrect Punctuation: Remember the rules for ellipses at the beginning, middle, and end of sentences, and the use of four dots at the end of a sentence.
- Ignoring Meaning: Always prioritize the preservation of the original author's intended meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to use brackets around the ellipsis?
No, brackets are only needed if you're adding your own words for clarification within an omitted portion of a quote. The ellipsis itself doesn't require brackets.
Can I use an ellipsis at the very beginning of a quote?
Yes, if you are omitting the beginning of the original sentence. However, be mindful that the omitted material must not alter the meaning of the quote.
What if the ellipsis is at the end of the quote?
If the ellipsis is at the end of the quote, you should use a period and then three dots. This is represented as four dots.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of ellipsis usage in APA 7th edition. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your academic writing is both accurate and stylistically consistent. Remember, clarity and the preservation of the original author's intent should always be your top priorities.
