How to use parentheses
A parenthesis is used to add extra detail to a sentence, to explain something or show thoughts or feelings.
The punctuation marks you can use to show a parenthesis are:
- Brackets( ) – also known as parentheses.
- Dashes– –
- Commas, ,
The punctuation is always placed around the extra information added to the sentence:
Vegetables (especially carrots) are my favourite food.
The main sentence should still make sense if the parenthesis is removed.
How do you use parentheses?
Find out all about parenthesis as this daredevil faces crunch time! Then, put your knowledge to the test in the quiz!
Using parentheses in your writing
A parenthesis is extra information added to a sentence without changing its main meaning.
A parenthesis can be shown using brackets, dashes, or commas.
- Brackets give small clarifications.
- Dashes can create drama or suspense.
- Commas add details smoothly within the flow of the writing.
Removing the parenthesis still keeps the meaning of the sentence the same, but including it makes writing more detailed and descriptive.
Example 1
What effect do the dashes have in the sentence below?
He paused – imagining the applause – as he stepped up to face his challenge.
a) They create a pause and add suspense.
b) They join two words together.
✓ a) They create a pause and add suspense.
Dashes like these highlight extra details and can create drama or suspense.
Example 2
Which sentence below uses parentheses (round brackets) correctly?
a) Lorelei was right (annoyingly) and he had to admit it.
b) Lorelei was (right annoyingly) and he had to admit it.
✓ a) Lorelei was right (annoyingly) and he had to admit it.
Option a) is correct because the parenthesis adds extra detail about how he felt without changing the main meaning of the sentence.
Task
Parenthesis patrol!
You can find examples of parenthesis everywhere, such as on cereal boxes, shampoo bottles and in newspapers.
- Find the nearest thing to you that has writing on it.
- See if you can spot any extra information that has been added as parenthesis.
- Change the words inside of the parentheses to make some silly sentences!
Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers! game
Use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission.
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