The Basics
[1] Numbers or letters in a series (in running text)
The answers are (1) red, (2) green, and (3) blue.
[2] An aside, parenthetical matter, or a digression
She was late (just as well, so was I) but when she arrived, she knocked me off my feet.
I cleaned the dog (oh boy he stunk) and then dried him and put him to bed.
[3] Explanatory information
The car (the red one) is broken.
Beyond the Basics
[4] To indicate doubt. (?)
Her name was Grizelda (?), or maybe Gribelga.
[5] To indicate surprise. (!)
She looked so tired (!) that I almost didn't recognize her.
Syntax
No comma before the opening parenthesis.
If parentheses are located within a sentence (even if they enclose a complete sentence), then do not capitalize the first enclosed word and do not end it with a
period inside the closing parenthesis.
I wandered (in a stupor) all the way to jail.
I ran (the dog chased me all the way) to my house.
But do include a question mark when appropriate.
I couldn't believe my eyes (why me?) when I saw the cliff.
Also, If you have more than one sentence enclosed in parenthesis within a sentence, then you do punctuate as normal between the enclosed sentences. (Pay
close attention to the punctuation.) Note: this construction should generally be avoided.
The ugly dog (well, maybe ugly is a bit harsh. Let's say average instead) couldn't catch the ball.
If the sentence ends with a closing parenthesis, then place the appropriate punctuation outside.
Note: a period only goes inside the ending parenthesis if the enclosed mater is a stand alone sentence (not within another sentence).
She hates me (even though I love her).
If the parenthetical matter is located in the same place in a sentence where a comma belongs, place the comma after the closing parenthesis.
I talked to her (at least I tried), but it didn't do any good.
If the enclosed information is a stand alone sentence, then punctuate it as one (internally).
She would be furious. (If she only knew.)
(Are you sure?)
Usage Key
Misuse
Let's Talk Style
Think of parentheses as a whisper.
Dogs (particularly large ones) are great snuggle buddies.
(Emphasis is on dogs)
Commas lend an even tone.
Dogs, particularly fuzzy ones, are great snuggle buddies.
(Emphasis is evenly distributed)
Em dashes scream.
Dogs--particularly fuzzy ones--are great snuggle buddies.
(Emphasis is on "particularly fuzzy ones.")
Let's see how the pros use it
[1] Numbers or letters in a series (in running text)
The answers are (1) red, (2) green, and (3) blue.
[2] An aside, parenthetical matter, or a digression
She was late (just as well, so was I) but when she arrived, she knocked me off my feet.
I cleaned the dog (oh boy he stunk) and then dried him and put him to bed.
[3] Explanatory information
The car (the red one) is broken.
Beyond the Basics
[4] To indicate doubt. (?)
Her name was Grizelda (?), or maybe Gribelga.
[5] To indicate surprise. (!)
She looked so tired (!) that I almost didn't recognize her.
Syntax
No comma before the opening parenthesis.
If parentheses are located within a sentence (even if they enclose a complete sentence), then do not capitalize the first enclosed word and do not end it with a
period inside the closing parenthesis.
I wandered (in a stupor) all the way to jail.
I ran (the dog chased me all the way) to my house.
But do include a question mark when appropriate.
I couldn't believe my eyes (why me?) when I saw the cliff.
Also, If you have more than one sentence enclosed in parenthesis within a sentence, then you do punctuate as normal between the enclosed sentences. (Pay
close attention to the punctuation.) Note: this construction should generally be avoided.
The ugly dog (well, maybe ugly is a bit harsh. Let's say average instead) couldn't catch the ball.
If the sentence ends with a closing parenthesis, then place the appropriate punctuation outside.
Note: a period only goes inside the ending parenthesis if the enclosed mater is a stand alone sentence (not within another sentence).
She hates me (even though I love her).
If the parenthetical matter is located in the same place in a sentence where a comma belongs, place the comma after the closing parenthesis.
I talked to her (at least I tried), but it didn't do any good.
If the enclosed information is a stand alone sentence, then punctuate it as one (internally).
She would be furious. (If she only knew.)
(Are you sure?)
Usage Key
Misuse
Let's Talk Style
Think of parentheses as a whisper.
Dogs (particularly large ones) are great snuggle buddies.
(Emphasis is on dogs)
Commas lend an even tone.
Dogs, particularly fuzzy ones, are great snuggle buddies.
(Emphasis is evenly distributed)
Em dashes scream.
Dogs--particularly fuzzy ones--are great snuggle buddies.
(Emphasis is on "particularly fuzzy ones.")
Let's see how the pros use it
Parentheses ()
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