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Definition
 Brackets
are used to show that something has been put into a
sentence.
Once
opened (like this) they must be closed.
EXAMPLES
- Most girls (seven in all) were wearing jeans.
- Put scrap paper (or cardboard) in the dustbin.
- The next boy (Gerry) scored a goal.
USE
The
words in the brackets are usually an example or an explanation.
They
often mean 'that is to say'.
Brackets
are used to represent an aside or an extra piece of information
which is closely related to the main subject of the sentence.
Goodwin argues that Thompson's policies (which he clearly dislikes)
would only increase the problem.
When
brackets are used at the end of a sentence,
the full stop falls outside the
bracket (like this).
Statements inside brackets
should be grammatically separate from
the sentence. That is, the sentence should
be complete, even if the contents of the brackets are removed.
The republican senator (who was visiting London for a minor
operation) also attended the degree ceremony.
The
expressions within brackets should be kept as brief as possible,
so as not to interrupt the flow of the sentence. |
