Parentheses are a set of curved brackets used around a word, phrase, or sentence. Parentheses are used to add further comments or explanations to the main point. The additional information isn't necessary to make the sentence clear. Parentheses are also called round brackets. However, their function is completely different than brackets which are also known as square brackets. Brackets are used to add clarity to a sentence. They are also used to indicate an interruption in a quote. The information in brackets is added to modify someone's quoted speech.
Parentheses can be used with just one word, a phrase, or a complete sentence. If the words inside the parentheses make a complete sentence, the period goes inside the closing parenthesis.
Brackets can be used with just one word, a phrase, or a complete sentence. If the words inside the brackets make a complete sentence, the period goes inside the closing bracket.
Directions: Add the parentheses and brackets in the correct places.
1) Which country countries have you visited?
2) He is on the FBI's Federal Bureau of Investigation most wanted list.
3) He handed me 10 dollars.
4) He the contractor lied to us about the estimate.
5) We are going to Europe this summer. I don't know how we're going to afford it.
Directions: Select the correct sentence.
1) a. I will call you tomorrow (Monday).
b. I will call you tomorrow [Monday].
2) a. You have 1000 (dollars) in the bank.
b. You have 1000 [dollars] in the bank.
3) a. The World Wide Web (commonly known as the Internet) is a global phenomenon.
b. The World Wide Web [commonly known as the Internet] is a global phenomenon.
4) a. Brackets (also called square brackets) are not as common as parentheses.
b. Brackets [also called square brackets] are not as common as parentheses.
5) a. He told the people at his anniversary party, "She (his wife) is my true love."
b. He told the people at his anniversary party, "She [his wife] is my true love."
Quiz 1 Answers
1) Which country (countries) have you visited?
2) He is on the FBI's (Federal Bureau of Investigation) most wanted list.
3) He handed me 10 [dollars].
4) He [the contractor] lied to us about the estimate.
5) We are going to Europe this summer. (I don't know how we're going to afford it.)
Quiz 2 Answers
1) A
2) B
3) A
4) A
5) B
