BRACKETS ( ) [ ]
There are several types of brackets (called parentheses in the US):
- (round brackets)
- [square brackets]
- {brace brackets}
- <angle brackets>
The last two are mostly used in mathematics and computer specialities – so, we can ignore them here. Dashes and commas can sometimes replace the functions of brackets, but here are a few common uses for this punctuation mark:
- To encase information that clarifies or illustrates:
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) was a great success.
- Mohammed Ali (formerly known as Cassius Clay) was one of the greatest boxers of our time.
- Brackets (parentheses in the US) are very useful punctuation marks.
- To create the sense of an aside, or an afterthought:
- The defendant (if he is to be believed) claims no knowledge of the crime.
- The senator (laughably) denied misusing his allowances.
- Television is one of the great inventions of the modern age (if you ignore the damage it does).
- When a complete sentence is enclosed in brackets, all other punctuation is also enclosed. (And that’s a rule you should remember!)
- To enclose numbers or letters designating items in a list:
- The purpose of punctuation is to:
1) help the reader to interpret the text;
2) add rhythm and meter to sentences; and
3) avoid ambiguity. [List numbers more commonly use full stops: 1. 2. 3.] - Playing sports is good for: (a) fitness; (b) co-ordination; (c) recreation.
- There are four types of brackets: i) round; ii) square; iii) brace; and iv) angle.
Note: for more information on lists, click here.
- The purpose of punctuation is to:
- Square brackets are used to encase editorial comment:
- He picked up the local newspaper [The Age] on his way to the Flinders Street station.
- Editors use them to indicate erors [sic] within a quotation that is being reproduced in its original form.
- They are sometimes used to set off an ellipsis to indicate that a large amount of material has been left out of a quote: “Once upon a time [ ... ] and they all lived happily ever after!”