Omitting part of a quote
Use ellipsis points to omit nonessential portions of quoted material. Insert 1 space before, between, and after each point.
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Use ellipsis points for an omission at the end of a quote: |
R. W. B. Lewis declares that "if Hester has sinned, she has done so as an affirmation of life, and her sin is the source of life . . ." (62).
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Use ellipsis points to omit nonessential words within the quote: |
Phil Wright objects to the idea that "such episodes demonstrate that Jones . . . has the intelligence and insight to perceive the deeper issue" (120).
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Use a period and 3 ellipsis points for omission of a whole sentence or more, or even complete paragraphs omitted from the middle of a quote: |
Zigler reminds us that "child abuse is found more frequently in a single (female) parent home in which the mother is working. . . . The unavailability of quality day care can only make this situation more stressful"(42).
(Student Sample Pg. 8 in .PDF)
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If your quotation is only a word or phrase that is clearly not an entire sentence, ellipsis points are not necessary. Simply use quotation marks: |
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" provide the foundation for the American way of life.