Understanding the Purpose of Parentheses

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 6 views

When is it a Good Idea to Use Parentheses?

Understanding the Purpose of Parentheses

Parentheses are a crucial punctuation mark in the English language, used to set off information that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence. They can be used to provide additional information, clarify a point, or even add a touch of humor. However, using parentheses effectively requires a good understanding of their purpose and how to use them correctly.

A. To Set Off a Brief Editorial Comment Instead of Writing a Full Description

One of the most common uses of parentheses is to set off a brief editorial comment or aside. This can be useful when you want to provide additional information or context without disrupting the flow of the main text. For example:

The company (which has been in business for over 20 years) has a reputation for producing high-quality products.
The new policy (which has been met with resistance from some employees) aims to improve efficiency and productivity.

In these examples, the information in parentheses provides additional context or background information that is not essential to the main meaning of the sentence. By using parentheses, you can set off this information without disrupting the flow of the text.

B. To Draw Attention to a Sudden Change of Thought or Interrupting Idea

Parentheses can also be used to draw attention to a sudden change of thought or interrupting idea. This can be useful when you want to indicate that the information in parentheses is a tangent or a aside that is not directly related to the main topic. For example:

I was planning to go to the beach (but the weather forecast looked ominous), so I decided to stay home instead.
The new employee (who had been with the company for only a few weeks) was struggling to keep up with the workload.

In these examples, the information in parentheses is a tangent or a aside that is not directly related to the main topic. By using parentheses, you can draw attention to this change of thought or interrupting idea without disrupting the flow of the text.

C. To Highlight an Essential Clause or Phrase that Modifies

Finally, parentheses can be used to highlight an essential clause or phrase that modifies a word or phrase. This can be useful when you want to provide additional information or context that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example:

The book (which I had been looking forward to reading for months) was a disappointment.
The new policy (which has been implemented to improve efficiency and productivity) has been met with resistance from some employees.

In these examples, the information in parentheses is essential to the meaning of the sentence. By using parentheses, you can highlight this information and provide additional context or background information that is necessary to understand the sentence.

Best Practices for Using Parentheses

While parentheses can be a useful tool for providing additional information or context, there are some best practices to keep in mind when using them:

Use parentheses sparingly: While parentheses can be useful, they can also be distracting if used too frequently. Use them only when necessary to provide additional information or context.
Keep it brief: The information in parentheses should be brief and to the point. Avoid using long sentences or paragraphs in parentheses.
Use them consistently: If you use parentheses in one part of a sentence, use them consistently throughout the sentence.
Avoid using parentheses to set off non-essential information: While parentheses can be used to set off non-essential information, they should not be used to set off information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parentheses are a useful tool for providing additional information or context in writing. By understanding the purpose of parentheses and using them correctly, you can add clarity and depth to your writing. Whether you are using parentheses to set off a brief editorial comment, draw attention to a sudden change of thought or interrupting idea, or highlight an essential clause or phrase that modifies, remember to use them sparingly, keep it brief, use them consistently, and avoid using them to set off non-essential information.
When is it a Good Idea to Use Parentheses? - Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Parentheses

In our previous article, we discussed the purpose and best practices for using parentheses in writing. However, we know that you may still have some questions about when to use parentheses and how to use them effectively. Here are some frequently asked questions about using parentheses:

Q: What is the difference between parentheses and brackets?

A: Parentheses and brackets are both used to set off information that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence. However, parentheses are typically used to provide additional information or context, while brackets are used to indicate that the information in them is not part of the original text. For example:

The company (which has been in business for over 20 years) has a reputation for producing high-quality products. (parentheses)
The new policy [which has been met with resistance from some employees] aims to improve efficiency and productivity. (brackets)

Q: Can I use parentheses to set off a long sentence or paragraph?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to use parentheses to set off a long sentence or paragraph. Parentheses are meant to provide brief additional information or context, not to set off a separate idea or thought. If you need to provide more information, consider using a separate sentence or paragraph instead.

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

A: Commas are used to separate items in a list, set off non-essential clauses, and indicate a pause in the sentence. Parentheses, on the other hand, are used to provide additional information or context that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Here are some examples:

I had eggs, toast, and orange juice for breakfast. (commas)
I had eggs (which I had been looking forward to eating all morning) and toast for breakfast. (parentheses)

Q: Can I use parentheses to set off a quote?

A: Yes, you can use parentheses to set off a quote, especially if the quote is a brief aside or a tangent. However, if the quote is a direct quote from someone else, it's generally better to use quotation marks instead of parentheses. For example:

The company's CEO said (in a recent interview) that the company is committed to sustainability. (parentheses)
The CEO said, "We are committed to sustainability." (quotation marks)

Q: How do I use parentheses in a sentence with multiple clauses?

A: When using parentheses in a sentence with multiple clauses, it's generally best to use them to set off the clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example:

The company (which has been in business for over 20 years) has a reputation for producing high-quality products, and it has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability.
The new policy (which has been met with resistance from some employees) aims to improve efficiency and productivity, but it may also lead to job losses.

Q: Can I use parentheses to set off a list?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to use parentheses to set off a list. Instead, use commas or semicolons to separate the items in the list. For example:

I had eggs, toast, and orange juice for breakfast. (commas)
I had eggs; toast; and orange juice for breakfast. (semicolons)