How to Use Parenthesis in Writing

Parenthesis are those little curved lines above the "9" and the "0" on your keyboard. While some may still be mystified by them, they are not really a mystery. Parenthesis can be a very useful tool for the several functions they serve. They can also be a very annoying, poorly placed and incorrectly punctuated mess that only serve to detract from your point. You can effectively use parenthesis in writing by following a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Mark examples. Parenthesis can be used to give examples of what you are discussing. You can use the abbreviations “i.e.," "a.k.a." or “ex.” to further point out you are giving an example. “Some dogs are known to lock their jaws on their prey and not let go until the prey is dead (i.e. pit bulls).”

2. Explain a phrase or idea. Use parenthesis if something you are writing about needs a tad more explanation, such as the origin of a phrase or a tidbit that makes the reader better understand it. “Signs were found in ancient Rome with the phrase ‘Cave canem’ (beware of the dog).”

3. Include extra information. This usage adds supplementary information that is helpful and you wish to include but the writing could survive without. “Some dogs instill fear and loathing because of their brutal nature. (Pit bulls are known to lock their jaws on their prey and not let go until the prey is dead.)”

4. Add an aside or a bit of humor. Parenthesis are often used to infuse the sentence with a chuckle or interesting bit of trivia. “Pit bulls can be brutal (as my own dog found out when he tried to take a football from one at the dog park).” Another example: “Vacuums suck (pun intended.)”

5. Punctuate properly. Parenthesis that are used as part of a sentence should be punctuated outside the parenthesis (like this). Parenthesis that mark information that stands as its own sentence should be marked inside the parenthesis. (This would be an example of the latter usage.) As with any sentence, capitalize the first letter of the latter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to use parenthesis inside a set of parenthesis, use brackets. These are the squared-off parenthesis-like things to the right of the "P" on the keyboard.

• Before delegating a phrase to parenthesis, ask yourself if it can stand without them--it often can.

• Be selective. (Too many parenthesis [like using one in every sentence] can be highly annoying [not to mention turn readers off in disgust].)