What Are Parentheses?
Parentheses are a useful punctuation tool that allows writers to insert additional information without disrupting the main flow of a sentence. When used correctly, they can add context, clarify intent, and provide citations.
Parentheses ( ) are curved punctuation marks used to enclose extra information within a sentence. This information can be helpful but is not essential to the main idea. Unlike commas or dashes, parentheses create a stronger separation from the main text, making the enclosed content feel like an aside or afterthought.
The Three Ways to Use Parentheses
There are three common ways to use parentheses, each of which is described below with examples:
- Insert Related but Unnecessary Information
- Clarify a Writer’s State of Mind
- Indicate Citations
Learn Next: How to Use Periods
1. Insert Related but Unnecessary Information
Parentheses are commonly used to add extra details, explanations, or side comments that are related to the sentence but not essential to its meaning. If the parenthetical information were removed, the sentence would still make sense.
Examples:
- “My brother (who lives in Chicago) is coming to visit next week.”
- “We finally watched the movie (after weeks of planning), and it was worth the wait.”
What NOT to Do:
- “We finally watched the movie after weeks of planning), and it was worth the wait.” (The opening parenthesis is missing.)
2. Clarify a Writer’s State of Mind
Parentheses can also be used to insert a writer’s thoughts, emotions, or uncertainties into a sentence. This adds a conversational or reflective tone to the writing.
Examples:
- “She said she was fine (but I could tell she wasn’t).”
- “I think we met in 2015 (or was it 2016?).”
What NOT to Do:
- “She said she was fine but I could tell she wasn’t).” (The opening parenthesis is missing, making the sentence unbalanced.)
3. Indicate Citations
In academic and formal writing, parentheses are used to enclose in-text citations when referencing sources. This helps maintain clarity and provides necessary documentation without interrupting the sentence’s flow.
Examples:
- “The study concluded that exercise improves mental health (Smith, 2020).”
- “Many experts agree that climate change is accelerating (Johnson & Lee, 2021, p. 45).”
What NOT to Do:
- “The study concluded that exercise improves mental health Smith, 2020.” (Without parentheses, the citation is unclear and incorrectly formatted.)
Rhetorical Use of Parentheses
Beyond their technical functions, parentheses can be used rhetorically to add humor, create an intimate tone, or guide the reader’s interpretation. They allow writers to insert subtle commentary or emphasize an afterthought.
Examples:
- “She insisted she wasn’t scared (even though her hands were shaking).” (Creates irony.)
- “Winning the lottery would be great (but knowing my luck, it’ll never happen).” (Adds humor and self-awareness.)
What NOT to Do:
- “I finally finished my project (after pulling an all-nighter and drinking five cups of coffee (never again)).” (Nested parentheses can be confusing; use dashes or rephrase instead.)
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