Brackets, sometimes called parentheses, are easy to overuse. Their overuse will result in sentences that are confusing and difficult to read. They should be used only in the following situations.
To add a small amount of extra information to help the reader understand something:
- The planned walk (see map below) is approximately 12 kilometres.
- A cow will produce an average of 8000 litres (1800 gallons) per annum.
To show plural options:
- Any student(s) interested should contact me after the lesson.
- Your bag(s) can be left in reception until 1pm.
To show new abbreviations:
Write the words to be abbreviated out in full the first time they are used and put the abbreviation in brackets after them. Next time only use the abbreviation without the brackets.
- The European Union (EU) will eventually collapse. This collapse of the EU will be long and slow.
They shouldn’t be used instead of commas:
I ate the whole cake. (And now I am full.)
I ate the whole cake, and now I am full.The hiking trail (which is located just outside the city) offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The hiking trail, which is located just outside the city, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
