The humble ellipsis (…), those three little dots, often get a bad rap. Frequently misused, they can muddy the clarity of your writing and even undermine your credibility, especially in academic settings adhering to the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. This guide will clarify the proper use of ellipses according to APA standards, helping you write with precision and professionalism.
What are Ellipses Used For?
Ellipses are used to indicate an omission of words within a quoted passage. They signal to the reader that something has been left out, preventing unnecessary length or irrelevancy while maintaining the original meaning and intent of the quote. Think of them as a concise way to present only the essential parts of a longer quotation.
How to Use Ellipses Correctly (According to APA)
The APA style guide offers precise rules for ellipsis usage:
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Omitting Words Within a Sentence: When omitting words from within a sentence, place three spaced ellipsis points within the sentence. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" becomes "The quick brown fox…over the lazy dog."
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Omitting Words at the End of a Sentence: When omitting words from the end of a sentence, use three spaced ellipsis points followed by a period. This results in four dots. For example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The dog then naps." becomes "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog…. "
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Omitting Words at the Beginning of a Sentence: If you're omitting words from the beginning of a sentence, only use the ellipsis points after the first complete sentence included in your quote. You wouldn't start a quote with ellipses unless the omitted material precedes a complete sentence.
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Omitting Multiple Sentences: If you omit entire sentences or multiple sentences, use three spaced ellipsis points, followed by a period (four dots). This is done between the complete sentences. The ellipsis shows the removal of the complete sentence(s), while the period signals the end of the previous sentence.
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Bracketing Your Changes (Important!): APA style requires you to always indicate omissions. Don't rely on the ellipsis alone to signify a change. You are making a change; it must be clearly noted. You can use square brackets [ ] to add words to clarify a quote's meaning if necessary. This helps maintain the quote's context while also ensuring the integrity of your research.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using ellipses to indicate a pause or trailing off: Ellipses are not dashes. Dashes (-) are used for interrupting speech or abrupt breaks; ellipses are specifically for omitted words.
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Overusing ellipses: Avoid overuse. Excessive use of ellipses can make your writing choppy and difficult to read. Use them sparingly and judiciously only when necessary to concisely convey your point.
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Not using spaced ellipsis points: Ensure there are spaces between the three dots. Many word processors will automatically add unspaced ellipses; you must correct this manually for adherence to APA style.
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Forgetting the period after the ellipsis at the end of a sentence: This is a common error that compromises the clarity and formality of your writing.
Why Proper Ellipsis Usage Matters
Accuracy in using ellipses demonstrates attention to detail and respect for the original source material. It reflects your commitment to proper academic conduct and strengthens the credibility of your work. Poor use of ellipses can cast doubt on your scholarship and make your research appear less credible.
Mastering Ellipses: A Step Towards Academic Excellence
By understanding and correctly employing ellipses, you enhance the clarity, accuracy, and professionalism of your writing. This attention to detail is critical for academic success and showcases your commitment to producing high-quality, credible work that aligns with APA style guidelines. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your research and writing are understood and appreciated for their precision and integrity.
