Parentheses

How to add an extra punch to your writing

Parentheses add personality and bonus information, but in a very tidy and subtle way.

(Welcome to Manuscribit! Please start with the first post and work your way through with a sketchbook in hand.)

The term “parentheses” is handed down from the Greek to the Latin, and literally means “to put in beside.” The primary purpose of parenthetical use in English is to include information which is non-essential but noteworthy in the opinion of the writer. There are three ways in which parentheses may be used for this purpose.

1. To add details or minutia which are not required in order to understand the meaning of the sentence. Examples: A majority of US Presidents have served in a branch of the military (including states’ militia) and several were highly ranked officers. The high school offers several foreign languages (with Chinese to be added next year) for students to study.

2. To insert an opinion in an essay or otherwise factual writing. Examples: While a sunny 40 degree day would still be considered cold by most people, Midwesterners (proudly) regard it as t-shirt weather. Soup (especially chicken noodle) is still considered the best food to eat while recovering from a cold or flu.

3. To insert a direct question, opinion, or proclamation from the writer to the reader. Examples: When you receive your appointment information (I’m assuming that will be within the next 24 hours), please notify the office. If you are feeling a bit sick (and may you always stay well), you are welcome to log in to the class via Zoom. Most cookies taste better using butter (Who doesn’t love butter?) as the necessary fat rather than oil or margarine.

Note that unless you are placing an entire sentence in parentheses, you do not begin the parenthetical with a capital letter. Any punctuation for the outer sentence stays outside of the parenthetical as well.

Next week, we will take a bit of detour. While Prefixes are not technically part of punctuation, they are a very interesting and important part of our ever-changing language. We will study the roots (Latin and Greek) of commonly used prefixes, and examine how they are used in English. By understanding prefixes, you great add to your vocabulary. I will include a little quiz just to show you how much you’ve learned!

Until next week (and wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day!), may God’s peace be with you!