What are some common errors or pitfalls to avoid when using ellipses and brackets in quotations?

1 Why modify quotations?

Sometimes, you may need to modify a quotation to make it more concise, relevant, or clear. For example, you may want to omit some irrelevant words, add some clarifying information, or change the tense or pronouns to match your writing. Modifying quotations can help you integrate them smoothly into your text and avoid unnecessary interruptions or repetitions.

2 How to use ellipses

Ellipses (...) are three dots that indicate that some words have been omitted from a quotation. While you can use ellipses to shorten a quotation, you should not alter the original source's meaning or tone, or omit important information. Here are some rules and tips for using ellipses: Use them within a sentence to show that words have been removed from the middle of a quotation, e.g. "The study found that ... the participants reported higher levels of satisfaction." Ellipses should also be used at the end of a sentence if part of the quotation has been omitted, e.g. "She argued that the policy was ineffective and unfair ..." They can also be used at the beginning of a sentence if part of it has not been quoted in full, e.g. "... he concluded that the results were inconclusive." Remember to include a space before and after each dot, unless specified otherwise by a style guide, e.g. "He said ... she said ..." Lastly, do not use ellipses to indicate a pause or hesitation in speech unless you are quoting dialogue or a transcript, e.g. "He was ... um ... not very happy."

3 How to use brackets

Brackets ([ ]) are square marks that indicate you have added some words to a quotation. These words can be clarifying information, such as a translation, an explanation, or an editorial comment; however, you should not use brackets to insert your own opinions or interpretations, or to change the meaning or tone of the original source. When using brackets, you should use them within a sentence to show that words have been added in the middle of the quotation (e.g., "He called her [his wife] every day.") and at the end of a sentence to show words have been added at the end of the quotation (e.g., "She said she was fine [but she looked pale]."). Additionally, use brackets around any changes made to the tense, pronouns, or grammar of the quotation to match your writing (e.g., "He [She] said that he [she] was happy.") and any editorial comments (e.g., [sic] to indicate a spelling or grammatical error in the original source, or [emphasis added] to indicate that you have added emphasis). However, do not use brackets to replace quotation marks, parentheses, or dashes in the original source (e.g., "He said [I quote]: 'I love you.'").

5 Proofreading tips

Proofreading is essential for checking your writing for errors, inconsistencies, and clarity. When you include quotations, they must be accurate, relevant, and properly formatted. To ensure this, read the quotations aloud and compare them with the original source. Make sure that you haven't omitted or added any words that would change the meaning or tone of the source. Additionally, check your punctuation and spacing around ellipses and brackets, following the rules and conventions of your style guide. You can also use a proofreading tool or service to help identify errors or inconsistencies in your use of ellipses and brackets; however, do not rely solely on these tools as they may miss nuances and subtleties in your writing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?