How to Use Brackets
Brackets are considered an insertion mark. An insertion mark is used to inform readers that the author is making a comment, criticizing, explaining further, showing omission, clarifying, injecting or giving more information. Brackets are considered quieter than parentheses. The following will explain how to use brackets.
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Instructions
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Insert brackets in sentences before and after editorial comments. It will clarify the information for the reader.
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Use brackets when you are inserting material into sentences that are not originally in the sentence--in other words, not done by the original author.
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Add brackets in sentences where you need to clarify information that is already in parentheses.
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Realize you need to use brackets when you start a sentence with a quote that is not capitalized. Any deviation in a quote should be shown in brackets.
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Show incorrect spelling. Many times you'll need to use the Latin term "sic," which means "thus." This alerts the reader to the fact that the word may be misspelled in the original document. Brackets are used around the word as shown [sic].
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Put brackets around nonessential information. Brackets are used when you wish to say something that is not important at all.
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Note the correct way to space brackets. Spaces are not used after the left bracket or before the right bracket. Use two spaces after a bracket that is at the end of a sentence. The period is inside the bracket. One space is used before the left bracket.
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Tips & Warnings
Brackets should be used sparingly because they make the material look ugly.
