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Learn the meaning, synonyms, examples, and history of the word parenthesis, which can be a word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage or a pair of marks ( ) used in writing and printing. See also related words and games on Merriam-Webster.com.
- When to Use Parentheses
- Parentheses Examples
- Parentheses in A Sentence
- Punctuation and Parentheses Rules
- What Are Brackets in Writing?
- Brackets in A Quote
- Parentheses vs. Brackets FAQs
Parentheses are punctuationmarks used to set aside tangential or unnecessary information. They’re typically used for complementary explanations or personal commentary from the author, as well as for defining acronyms. Aside from their use in grammar, parentheses are also used for in-text citations in the APA, Chicago, and MLA formats. Additionally,...
Parentheses are used to add extra information that isn’t necessary but is still helpful. Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson)was as iconic as her life was tragic. This extra information often includes defining acronyms, especially the first time they’re used in a text. There was political pushback during the initial proposal of NAFTA (North ...
Parenthetical information should not be necessary to the rest of the sentence. The number one rule for using parentheses is: If you remove the text in parentheses, the sentence should still be complete and correct. In this example, if we remove the text in parentheses, the sentence doesn’t make any sense. What does mom want? Because want is a trans...
When it comes to parentheses and other punctuation, there are a couple of rules to follow. 1 If the text in parentheses is a complete sentence and is separate from surrounding sentences, the period goes inside the parentheses.Additionally, a phrase that could stand alone as a complete sentence can also be contained inside another complete sentence....
Brackets look similar to parentheses but have squared corners instead of curved lines. They are also used to set aside complementary information, but they serve different functions too. Brackets are not as common as parentheses and are generally used only for quotations. Specifically, brackets show that new information, usually from the author or e...
Brackets are often found inside quotations to show text added to the original quote. When referencing someone else’s work, it’s best to use only the passages that are relevant to your topic. Because of this, an important word or phrase may be missing from the passage you kept, in which case you could add the missing context in brackets. We’ve inclu...
What are parentheses?
Parentheses, ( ), are punctuation marks used to set aside text that’s not necessary but is still related to the topic.
What are brackets?
Brackets, [ ], show that text has been added to a quotation. They’re generally used by writers and editors to separate the original wording from any additions.
When should you use parentheses?
Use parentheses when you want to add extra information that’s not necessary but is still helpful. Make sure that the sentence is still grammatically correct if you remove the text in parentheses.
A parenthesis is a word, phrase, or clause inserted into a sentence as an explanation or afterthought. A parenthesis is usually offset with parentheses (i.e., round brackets), commas, or dashes (all called 'parenthetical punctuation marks').
Parenthesis definition: either or both of a pair of signs ( ) used in writing to mark off an interjected explanatory or qualifying remark, to indicate separate groupings of symbols in mathematics and symbolic logic, etc.. See examples of PARENTHESIS used in a sentence.
Jul 22, 2016 · Parentheses set off extra information (such as a writer's remarks, an interruption, or a reference) from the rest of a sentence. Learn how to use them in this video! Practice this yourself on...
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PARENTHESIS definition: 1. a remark that is added to a sentence, often to provide an explanation or extra information, that…. Learn more.
Jul 3, 2019 · The parenthesis is a punctuation mark, which is written or typed as an upright curved line. Two parentheses, ( ), are generally paired and used to mark off explanatory or qualifying remarks in writing.