Parentheses and Brackets: Punctuation

Punctuation plays a crucial role in writing. It helps to clarify meaning and structure sentences effectively. In this section, we will focus on parentheses and brackets, two important punctuation marks often used in writing.

Parentheses ( )

Parentheses, also known as round brackets, are curved punctuation marks used to enclose additional information within a sentence. Here’s how they work:

1. Clarifying Information: Parentheses are often used to provide extra details or explanations that are not essential to the main message of the sentence. For example:
   • The concert (which was held last night) was a huge success.
   • She completed her assignment (despite feeling unwell) before the deadline.
2.  Introducing Acronyms or Abbreviations: Parentheses can be used to introduce acronyms or abbreviations for clarity. For instance:
   • The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines.
   • He received a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Economics.
3. Nested Parentheses: Sometimes, parentheses can be nested within one another to provide additional layers of information. For example:
   • The recipe calls for tomatoes (cherry, grape, or Roma), onions (red or white), and peppers (green, yellow, or red).

Brackets [ ]

Brackets, also known as square brackets, are another type of punctuation used to include additional information in a sentence. Here’s how they are used:

1.  Editorial Comments: Brackets are often used to insert editorial comments or corrections within a direct quotation. For example:
   • “She [the teacher] explained the concept thoroughly.”
2.  Clarifying or Adding Information: Brackets can also be used to clarify or add information to a quote without changing its original meaning. For instance:
   • Original: “He said he was feeling unwell.”
   • Revised: “He [the CEO] said he was feeling unwell.”
3.  In Mathematics or Citations: Brackets are commonly used in mathematics to indicate intervals or in citations to add information. For example:
   • In Mathematics: [0, 10] represents the interval from 0 to 10.
   • In Citations: [1]

Exercises :

• Exercise 1: Parentheses and Brackets | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 2: Parentheses and Brackets | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 3: Parentheses and Brackets | Practice Test Online

In conclusion, parentheses and brackets serve important functions in writing by providing additional information, clarifying meaning, and structuring sentences effectively. Mastering the use of these punctuation marks will enhance your writing skills and improve clarity in communication.