Learn the definition, usage, rules, and very helpful examples related to parentheses in English. This lesson is going to be very helpful for you to strengthen your English writing and conversation skills. Let’s begin with today’s lesson:
Parentheses Definition:
Parentheses, also known as round brackets, are a pair of punctuation marks (“(” and”)”) that are used to set off or enclose information within a sentence.They are used to indicate that the enclosed material is independent from the rest of the text, providing additional information or clarification.
Also learn: Full stop in English with examples
Usage of Parentheses in English
Parentheses, also known as round brackets, serve various purposes in English writing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to their usage with helpful examples:
- Clarification or Additional Information:
- Example: The project (scheduled for completion by the end of the month) is already behind schedule.
- Mathematical Expressions:
- Example: Solve the equation: 2 * (3 + 5) = 16.
- Citations and References:
- Example: The theory was proposed in the 1960s (Smith, 1965), and it remains influential today.
- Acronyms and Initialisms:
- Example: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) was established in 1958.
- Nested Parentheses:
- Example: The research study (conducted in 2020 and published in 2021) garnered significant attention.
- Emphasizing a Point:
- Example: The weather is unpredictable (as we experienced last weekend), so always be prepared.
- Author’s Comments or Asides:
- Example: The movie was entertaining (despite the critics’ negative reviews).
- Enumerating Items in a List within a Sentence:
- Example: The essentials for the trip include a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes (for walking long distances).
- Expressions of Time:
- Example: The event will take place on Sunday (weather permitting).
- Alternative Words or Synonyms:
- Example: The cat was small (or perhaps just appeared that way from a distance).
- Introducing Quotations:
- Example: The professor stated, “The key to success lies in perseverance” (Johnson, 2019).
- Addressing the Reader Directly:
- Example: If you’re planning a trip to Europe this summer (and you should), make sure to book your accommodations early.
Also learn: When or Where do We Use a Comma in English?
Parentheses within Parentheses
Using parentheses within parentheses, also known as nested parentheses, is a way to provide additional layers of information or clarification. Here’s an example:
Original Sentence: “The research study (conducted in 2020 (published in the Journal of Science (Volume 5, Issue 2))) garnered significant attention.”
Explanation:
- The outer parentheses provide information about the general context of the research study.
- The first set of nested parentheses “(conducted in 2020)” adds a specific detail about when the study took place.
- The second set of nested parentheses “(published in the Journal of Science (Volume 5, Issue 2))” further specifies where the research was published.
Parentheses (()) in English | Images
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