Brackets, braces and parentheses in English

Brackets, braces, and parentheses are symbols used to contain words that are a further explanation or are considered a group.

Brackets are the squared off notations ([]) used for technical explanations or to clarify meaning. If you remove the information in the brackets, the sentence will still make sense.

• He [Mr. Jones] was the last person seen at the house.

Braces ({}) are used to contain two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit. They are not commonplace in most writing but can be seen in computer programming to show what should be contained within the same lines. They can also be used in mathematical expressions. For example, 2{1+[23-3]}=x.

Parentheses ( () ) are curved notations used to contain further thoughts or qualifying remarks. However, parentheses can be replaced by commas without changing the meaning in most cases. 1. Use parentheses to enclose words or figures that clarify or are used as an aside.  

Example:  I expect five hundred dollars ($500). 

 He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he did not get the question. ( Commas could have been used in the above example. Parentheses show less emphasis or importance.) 

2. Use full parentheses to enclose numbers or letters used for listed items. 

 Example: 

 We need an emergency physician who can (1) think quickly, (2) treat patients respectfully, and (3) handle complaints from the public.  

 3. Full stop go inside parentheses only if an entire sentence is inside the parentheses.  Example:  Please read the analysis. (I have enclosed it as Attachment A.) Please read the analysis (Attachment A).

• John and Jane (who were actually half brother and sister) both have red hair.

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