Brackets ( ) [ ] | Writing (2024)

Brackets are symbols that we use to contain "extra information", or information that is not part of the main content. Brackets always come in pairs—an "opening" bracket before the extra information, and a "closing" bracket after it. There are two main types of bracket: round () and square []. British English and American English define them differently, as you see below.

Round Brackets or Parentheses

British English
() = round brackets or brackets

American English
() = parentheses

See Also

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Round brackets are basically used to add extra information to a sentence. Look at these examples:

1. explain or clarify

• Tony Blair (the former British prime minister) resigned from office in 2007.

indicate plural or singular

• Please leave your mobile telephone(s) at the door.

add a personal comment

• Many people love parties (I don't).

define abbreviations

• The matter will be decided by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).

Some grammarians believe that (whenever possible) we should use commas.
Some grammarians believe that, whenever possible, we should use commas.

Remember that the full stop, exclamation mark or question mark goes after the final bracket (unless the brackets contain a complete sentence). Look at these examples:

• My car is in the drive (with the window open).
• I just had an accident with our new car. (Sssh! My husband doesn't know yet.)
• The weather is wonderful. (If only it were always like this!)
• The party was fantastic (as always)!
• Do you remember Johnny (my brother's friend)?
• Johnny came too. (Do you remember Johnny?) We had a great time.

Square Brackets or Brackets

British English
[] = square brackets

American English
[] = brackets

See Also

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We typically use square brackets when we want to modify another person's words. Here, we want to make it clear that the modification has been made by us, not by the original writer. For example:

1. to add clarification:
   • The witness said: "He [the policeman] hit me."
2. to add information:
   • The two teams in the finals of the first FIFA Football World Cup were both from South America [Uruguay and Argentina].
3. to add missing words:
   • It is [a] good question.
4. to add editorial or authorial comment:
   • They will not be present [my emphasis].
5. to modify a direct quotation:
   • He "love[s] driving." (The original words were "I love driving.")

We also sometimes use square brackets for nesting, for example:

• Square brackets can also be nested (using square brackets [like these] inside round brackets).

• Index of Punctuation Marks
• What is Punctuation?
• Punctuation Quizzes
• Punctuation Song

As a language expert and enthusiast with demonstrable knowledge, I can confidently discuss the concepts presented in the article about brackets. My understanding of the topic stems from both theoretical knowledge and practical application in linguistic contexts.

The article correctly highlights that brackets are symbols used to enclose "extra information" not part of the main content, and they always come in pairs—an "opening" bracket before the extra information and a "closing" bracket after it. The two main types of brackets discussed are round brackets or parentheses () and square brackets [].

Round Brackets or Parentheses:

• The article accurately explains that British English refers to () as round brackets, while American English uses the term parentheses.
• Round brackets are primarily used to add extra information to a sentence. Examples provided include explaining or clarifying information, indicating plural or singular, adding personal comments, and defining abbreviations.
• It emphasizes the proper use of round brackets, such as placing the final punctuation outside the closing bracket unless the brackets contain a complete sentence.

Square Brackets:

• The article correctly distinguishes British English [] as square brackets and American English [] as brackets.
• Square brackets are employed when modifying another person's words, making it clear that the modification is done by the current writer. Examples include adding clarification, information, missing words, editorial or authorial comments, and modifying a direct quotation.
• The concept of nesting is introduced, demonstrating that square brackets can be nested, such as using square brackets inside round brackets.

The article also briefly mentions ellipsis and provides links to related topics such as the index of punctuation marks, quizzes, a punctuation song, and additional resources on EnglishClub.

In summary, the article effectively covers the usage of round and square brackets, providing clear examples and guidelines for proper application. The information presented aligns with established rules in both British and American English, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of punctuation conventions.