Lesson: Parentheses & Brackets

What is the primary use of parentheses in a sentence?

• To enclose material that is added to a sentence but is not considered of major importance.

• To highlight the main idea of the sentence.

• To separate two independent clauses.

• To indicate a question.

Which of the following is an example of using parentheses correctly?

• Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) led India’s struggle for independence from British rule.

• Mohandas K. Gandhi 1869-1948 led India’s struggle for independence from British rule.

• Mohandas K. Gandhi -1869-1948- led India’s struggle for independence from British rule.

• Mohandas K. Gandhi [1869-1948] led India’s struggle for independence from British rule.

What can material enclosed in parentheses range from?

• A single word or number to a short sentence.

• A paragraph to a full page.

• A single letter to a full paragraph.

• A single word to a full paragraph.

What punctuation mark should not be used within a sentence in parentheses?

• Period

• Question mark

• Exclamation point

• Comma

Which of the following is NOT a correct use of parentheses?

• Mrs. Matsuo served us the sushi (soo’ shē) that she had prepared.

• No, set that ladder (watch out!) over there.

• My great-uncle Ed (he’s Grandma’s brother) is odd.

• My great-uncle Ed (he’s Grandma’s brother.) is odd.

What should a short sentence in parentheses be followed by?

• A question mark or exclamation point

• A period

• A comma

• A semicolon

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

• No, set that ladder (watch out!) over there.

• No, set that ladder (watch out) over there.

• No, set that ladder (watch out.) over there.

• No, set that ladder (watch out,) over there.

What is the correct way to write a sentence with a short sentence in parentheses?

• Notice that a sentence within a sentence is not capitalized; such a sentence may be followed by a question mark or exclamation point, but not a period.

• Notice that a sentence within a sentence is not capitalized; such a sentence may be followed by a period.

• Notice that a sentence within a sentence is capitalized; such a sentence may be followed by a question mark or exclamation point, but not a period.

• Notice that a sentence within a sentence is capitalized; such a sentence may be followed by a period.

Which of the following is an example of a short sentence in parentheses?

• (It’s freshly squeezed.)

• (soo’ shē)

• (1869-1948)

• (he’s Grandma’s brother)