A parenthesis (plural form: parentheses) is one of the most common characters you’ll use in writing. Parentheses can be used to enclose information within a text or paragraph. In this case, they’re used as “parenthetical punctuation marks.” The parenthesis is the most common of such marks, but dashes and commas are also accepted.
The term “parentheses” can also refer to the information you enclose within those punctuation marks, which can be words, phrases, or complete sentences.
You can use parentheses to provide your readers with incidental or extra information, like examples, passing comments, and brief explanations.
Using Parentheses Correctly
There are at least five rules you need to remember when using parentheses. Here they are:
1. When a parenthetical sentence can stand on its own, the punctuation should be inside the closing parenthesis.
Example:
The world has been proven to be round since the time of the Ancient Greeks. (However, there are people who still deny this, despite the overwhelming evidence of it being true.)
2. When a complete parenthetical sentence is inserted in the middle of another sentence, don’t capitalize the first word, or end it with a period. Exclamation or question marks are still acceptable though.
Example:
He managed to reach the top of the mountain (we never doubted that) but we were surprised at how fast he climbed it (who knew he was such a great mountain climber?).
3. When inserting parenthetical content in the middle of a sentence, you should place other punctuations (such as commas) outside the parentheses, exactly where they’d be if the parentheses weren’t there.
Example:
He already has his salary (about $4000), but never received the bonus he was promised.
4. If you put parenthetical content at the end of a sentence, the ending punctuation should be placed after the closing parentheses.
Example:
After only a few hours together, Jane was fed up with his manners (or, rather, his lack of them).
5. Parenthetical content are extra elements to a sentence. Even if you remove them, your writing should still be coherent and grammatically sound.
Example:
A. John’s mother (the mayor) is planning a city-wide celebration for the returning athletes.
B. John’s mother is planning a city-wide celebration for the returning athletes.
Special Uses for Parentheses
There’s a lot of different ways you can use parentheses in your writing. Here are a few of them:
- Numbered or lettered lists
Example:
There are six things you need to bring during road trips: (1) a book, (2) snacks, (3) a kickass music playlist, (4) GPS, (5) power banks for your devices, and (6) toilet paper for when… you know.
2. Abbreviations and acronyms
Example:
His wife beamed with pride when John came home and told her he’s been appointed COO (chief operating officer) of the company.
3. Time zones and area codes
Example:
The orientation starts at 9:00 a.m. (EST). If you have any questions, you can call us at (212) 646-7898.
4. Beginning and end dates (or lifespans)
Leonardo da Vinci (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) was known for his painting skills and technological ingenuity.
5. Translations
Buenos días (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon), and buenas noches (good night) are common greetings in Spanish.
Why Do We Use Parentheses?
Think of parentheses as a form of commentary in your writing. Though the information you’re stating isn’t necessary, you’re providing more value to your reader, which makes it more beneficial for them.
However, you shouldn’t overuse them. They’re called “interrupters” for a reason. Every time you use one, you interrupt the flow of your text, which could make your writing confusing if you do it too much.
When you talk to another person, you may sometimes go on tangents or add extra details, which can make your narrative less coherent. That’s exactly what happens when you overuse parentheses in your writing.
Just make sure that any parenthetical content you add is relevant and adds useful information. Don’t add anything that is either redundant or obvious. As long as your parentheses add value to your writing, then you should be good.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- The 10 Most Common Grammar Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
- The Most Important Basic Grammar Rules to Know
- 10 Grammar Software Tools and Punctuation Checkers
- How to Use an Exclamation Point Properly
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
This is exactly what I was looking for, and I got to it in the first few hits (on DuckDuckGo), so I was a bit surprised to see there were no comments.
On the other hand, your advice was so straightforward and concise, perhaps there is nothing left to say … other than, I, for one, appreciate it.
Thanks Dave, we’re glad you enjoyed Cole’s article! :)