Parentheses

Parentheses are fairly easy to learn but you need to be aware of using the correct punctuation around them. You should use parentheses primarily when you want to explain (or add) to something said in a sentence. There are three rules you need to be aware of (if you want to do well on the HSQGE):

1. Enclose the punctuation associated with complete statements within the parentheses.

    (How I wish I could!)

    (Events later confirmed his suspicions.)

2. When a parenthetical item falls in the middle of a sentence, punctuation needed at that point follows the closing parentheses.

    There is only one problem (and he admits it): his chronic tardiness.

In other words, do not put a comma, semicolon, colon, or dash before an opening parenthesis.

    NOT: I phoned him when I arrived, (as I had promised) but he was not at home.

    OKAY: I phoned him when I arrived (as I had promised), but he was not at home.

3. When a parenthesis falls at the end of a sentence, the closing punctuation follows the final parenthesis.

    I phoned him when I arrived (as I had promised).

Go to The Guide to Grammar and Writing section on Parentheses.

Return back to Grammar Rules page.