Brackets [], Braces {} and Parentheses ()
Brackets [], Braces {} and Parentheses ()
Brackets, braces, and parentheses are symbols used to contain words that are a further explanation or are considered a group.
Brackets are the squared off notations ([]) used for technical explanations or to clarify meaning. If you remove the information in the brackets, the sentence will still make sense.
Ex.: He [Mr. Jones] was the last person seen at the house.
Braces ({}) are used to contain two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.
They are not commonplace in most writing but can be seen in computer programming to show what should be contained within the same lines. They can also be used in mathematical expressions.
Ex.: 2{1+[23-3]}=x.
Parentheses () are curved notations used to contain further thoughts or qualifying remarks. However, parentheses can be replaced by commas without changing the meaning in most cases.
Ex.: John and Jane (who were actually half brother and sister) both have red hair.
Brackets are the squared off notations ([]) used for technical explanations or to clarify meaning. If you remove the information in the brackets, the sentence will still make sense.
Ex.: He [Mr. Jones] was the last person seen at the house.
Braces ({}) are used to contain two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.
They are not commonplace in most writing but can be seen in computer programming to show what should be contained within the same lines. They can also be used in mathematical expressions.
Ex.: 2{1+[23-3]}=x.
Parentheses () are curved notations used to contain further thoughts or qualifying remarks. However, parentheses can be replaced by commas without changing the meaning in most cases.
Ex.: John and Jane (who were actually half brother and sister) both have red hair.