Parentheses

Parentheses are usually used to set off material that is not essential to the main sentence. Such interruptions should be minimized.

  1. If the material within the parentheses is part of a larger sentence, terminal punctuation goes outside the closing parenthesis (as in this case) .

  2. If the parentheses enclose one or more complete sentences, then all punctuation stays inside the closing parenthesis. (Final punctuation here goes inside the parenthesis . )

  3. To include parenthetical information within a clause already inside parentheses, use square brackets (such as shown here [square brackets]) or a dash (such as shown here—a dash).

  4. Also use square brackets in a direct quote around words that have been altered or inserted.

    “He said this” might be changed to “[John] said this.”