Improving Sentence Clarity with Proper Parentheses Use

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 5 views

Improving Sentence Clarity with Proper Parentheses Use

When it comes to writing sentences, using parentheses can be a great way to add extra information without disrupting the flow of the main message. However, using parentheses correctly is crucial to avoid confusion and ensure that the sentence is easy to understand. In this article, we will explore the correct use of parentheses in the given sentence and provide a clear explanation of the rules to follow.

The Original Sentence

The original sentence is: "The office renovations (that my company completed last week) better late than never have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

The Problem with the Original Sentence

The problem with the original sentence is that it contains a phrase that is not grammatically correct. The phrase "better late than never" is an idiom that means it's always better to do something late than to not do it at all. However, in this sentence, it's used as a separate clause, which is not grammatically correct.

The Corrected Sentence

The corrected sentence should be: "The office renovations, which my company completed last week, have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

The Correct Use of Parentheses

The correct use of parentheses in the original sentence is to set off the phrase "that my company completed last week." This phrase is a non-essential clause, meaning that it provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. However, in this case, the parentheses are not necessary, and the sentence would be clearer without them.

The Corrected Parentheses Use

The correct use of parentheses would be: "The office renovations, which my company completed last week, have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus." In this case, the parentheses are not used at all, and the sentence is clear and concise.

The Corrected Sentence with Parentheses

If we want to use parentheses to set off the phrase "that my company completed last week," the corrected sentence would be: "The office renovations, which my company completed last week, have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus." However, if we want to use parentheses to set off the entire phrase "that my company completed last week," the corrected sentence would be: "The office renovations (that my company completed last week) have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

The Corrected Sentence with Parentheses and a Comma

If we want to use parentheses to set off the phrase "that my company completed last week" and also use a comma to separate the two independent clauses, the corrected sentence would be: "The office renovations (that my company completed last week), have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct use of parentheses in the given sentence is to set off the phrase "that my company completed last week." However, in this case, the parentheses are not necessary, and the sentence would be clearer without them. The corrected sentence should be: "The office renovations, which my company completed last week, have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is A. The office renovations that my company completed last week have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus.
Improving Sentence Clarity with Proper Parentheses Use: Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the correct use of parentheses in a given sentence and provided a clear explanation of the rules to follow. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about using parentheses in sentences.

Q: What is the purpose of using parentheses in a sentence?

A: The purpose of using parentheses in a sentence is to set off non-essential information, such as a phrase or a clause, that provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Q: When should I use parentheses in a sentence?

A: You should use parentheses in a sentence when you want to set off a phrase or a clause that provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example: "The office renovations (that my company completed last week) have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

Q: How do I know when to use parentheses and when to use commas?

A: You should use parentheses when you want to set off a phrase or a clause that provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. You should use commas when you want to separate two independent clauses or to set off a non-essential clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Q: Can I use parentheses to set off a phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence?

A: No, you should not use parentheses to set off a phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. If a phrase is essential to the meaning of the sentence, you should use a comma or a conjunction to connect it to the rest of the sentence.

Q: Can I use parentheses to set off a phrase that is a dependent clause?

A: Yes, you can use parentheses to set off a phrase that is a dependent clause. For example: "The office renovations (because my company completed them last week) have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

Q: Can I use parentheses to set off a phrase that is a non-essential clause?

A: Yes, you can use parentheses to set off a phrase that is a non-essential clause. For example: "The office renovations (that my company completed last week) have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

Q: How do I know when to use a comma and when to use parentheses?

A: You should use a comma when you want to separate two independent clauses or to set off a non-essential clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. You should use parentheses when you want to set off a phrase or a clause that provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Q: Can I use both commas and parentheses in the same sentence?

A: Yes, you can use both commas and parentheses in the same sentence. For example: "The office renovations (that my company completed last week), have greatly improved my productivity and ability to focus."

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using parentheses?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using parentheses include:

Using parentheses to set off a phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence
Using parentheses to set off a phrase that is a dependent clause
Using parentheses to set off a phrase that is a non-essential clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence
Using parentheses to set off a phrase that is a separate sentence

Conclusion

In conclusion, using parentheses in sentences can be a great way to add extra information without disrupting the flow of the main message. However, using parentheses correctly is crucial to avoid confusion and ensure that the sentence is easy to understand. By following the rules and guidelines outlined in this article, you can improve your sentence clarity and avoid common mistakes when using parentheses.