Parentheses and Brackets

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Punctuation Rules

Are you wondering what the difference is between parentheses and brackets and how to use them correctly in writing?

Punctuation marks are essential tools in the English language, providing clarity and meaning to our writing. Parentheses and brackets play unique roles that are often confused. Understanding the difference between parentheses and brackets and knowing how to use them correctly can greatly enhance the clarity of your writing.

This article will delve into the functions of these punctuation marks and provide clear guidelines on their usage.

What are Parentheses?

Parentheses, represented by the symbols (), are used to enclose additional information that is supplementary to the main text. This information can include explanations, clarifications, or asides that add context but are not essential to the sentence’s primary meaning.

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Common Uses of Parentheses

Adding Extra Information or an Aside:

Example:

She finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that she didn’t understand the question.

Clarifying or Explaining a Statement:

Example:

He was in the army (the United States Marine Corps) for five years.

Providing Translations or Equivalents:

Example:

The French phrase “c’est la vie” (that’s life) is often used in English.

What are Brackets?

Brackets, represented by the symbols [], are primarily used within quoted material to include additional information, editorial comments, or corrections. They help clarify the original text or provide context that might be missing.

Common Usage of Brackets

Adding Editorial Comments or Clarifications:

Example:

He [the CEO] announced the new policy at the meeting.

Indicating Modifications in a Quoted Text:

Example:

She [the manager] said the project will be completed by July.

Adding Missing Information or Correcting Errors in a Quote:

Example:

The report stated, ‘The company has increased its profits by 20% [in the last quarter].’

Key Differences Between Parentheses and Brackets

While both parentheses and brackets are used to enclose additional information, their applications are distinct:

  • Parentheses are used to include supplementary information that is part of the writer’s own sentence.
  • Brackets are used to add information within quoted material or to indicate editorial modifications.

Examples:

  • Parentheses: She bought a new car (a red convertible).
  • Brackets: “She said she would [arrive] by noon,” according to the report.

Using Parentheses Correctly

Guidelines for Proper Placement

  • Place parentheses around non-essential information that adds context.
  • Ensure the sentence remains grammatically correct if the parentheses and enclosed text are removed.

Avoiding Overuse

  • Use parentheses sparingly to maintain readability. Overuse can clutter your writing and distract the reader.

Tips for Formal Writing

In formal writing, limit the use of parentheses to avoid an overly conversational tone. Opt for footnotes or endnotes if extensive additional information is necessary.

    Examples:

    • Correct: The committee will meet next Monday (July 10) to discuss the proposal.
    • Overused: The committee (which meets every Monday) will (hopefully) finalize the proposal (that has been pending for months).

    Using Brackets Correctly

    Guidelines for Inserting Brackets in Quotes

    Use brackets to insert clarifications, comments, or corrections within a quoted text.

    Ensure the additions in brackets do not alter the original meaning of the quoted material.

    Ensuring Clarity and Accuracy

    Brackets should provide necessary context or corrections that enhance the reader’s understanding of the quote.

    Tips for Academic and Professional Writing

    Brackets are commonly used in academic and professional writing to ensure precision and clarity when quoting sources.

    Examples

    • Clarification: “The results [of the experiment] were inconclusive.”
    • Correction: “The population of the city is [approximately] 500,000.”

    Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Confusing Parentheses with Brackets

    • Incorrect: The report stated, “The profits increased (by 20%) in the last quarter.”
    • Correct: The report stated, “The profits increased [by 20%] in the last quarter.”

    Overusing Parentheses or Brackets

    • Incorrect: She (the manager) said (that the project will be completed by July).
    • Correct: She, the manager, said that the project will be completed by July.

    Misplacing Punctuation Marks

    • Incorrect: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think, that he didn’t understand the question).
    • Correct: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he didn’t understand the question.

    Advanced Uses and Variations

    Using Curly Brackets {}

    Curly brackets, or braces, are less common and typically used in mathematical expressions or programming.

    Combining Parentheses and Brackets

    In complex sentences, parentheses and brackets can be combined to include multiple layers of additional information.

    Example: The results (see Appendix A [page 5]) were unexpected.

    Examples of Advanced Usage

    Combined: The project (initiated in 2020 [by the development team]) is on track for completion.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the proper use of parentheses and brackets can significantly improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

    While parentheses add supplementary information to your sentences, brackets provide essential clarifications within quoted material.

    By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can enhance your writing skills and avoid common punctuation mistakes.

    Parentheses and Brackets FAQs

    1. What is the primary difference between parentheses and brackets?

    Parentheses are used to add supplementary information within a sentence that is not essential to its main meaning, while brackets are used to insert additional information, clarifications, or corrections within quoted text.

    2. When should I use parentheses instead of brackets?

    Use parentheses to include non-essential information, explanations, or asides within your own writing. Use brackets to modify quoted text, add clarifications, or provide missing information in quotes.

    3. Can I use parentheses to include a full sentence?

    Yes, you can use parentheses to include a full sentence, but make sure the sentence inside the parentheses is grammatically complete and fits within the context of the surrounding text. For example: “I love reading books (especially mystery novels).”

    4. How do I punctuate a sentence with parentheses?

    Place the punctuation mark outside the parentheses if the parenthetical information is part of a larger sentence. Place it inside if the parenthetical information is a complete sentence. For example:

    • Part of a sentence: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he didn’t understand the question.
    • Complete sentence: She was late. (She missed the bus.)

    5. How do I use brackets within parentheses?

    When you need to include additional information or clarifications within parentheses, use brackets. For example: The results (see Appendix A [page 5] for details) were unexpected.

    I hope this article helped you understand the difference between parentheses and brackets and how to use them correctly in English writing.

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