PARENTHESIS

Parenthesis can be versatile for writers. These examples illustrate their

uses; use them to enclose the following:
Examples, directions, explanations, and clarifications:
1. Retain ampersands when they appear as part of an official name
(Barnes and Noble, Ben and Jerrys).
2. At that point, you may want to consult with a professional. (Refer to
the resources chapter for a list of tax advisers).
3. Here is a selective glossary of editing and production of items.
(Synonyms are in italics; cross-referenced terms are in bold italics).
4. Precede the dollar amount with the initials US only to avoid
confusion (in, say, an article about Australia, where the basic unit of
currency is also called the dollar).
Numerals that confirm a spelled-out number in a contract:
5. The confirmation letter is due within thirty (30) days.
Abbreviations (usually) after the first reference to the full
version of the term:
6. The countrys import and export levels are regulated by the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Note: if the abbreviation is well known or is used again within the next
sentence or two after the full name, omit the parenthesized
abbreviation immediately after it.
Numbers or letters that distinguish items in a run-in list:
7. The constituent parts are (1) the thingamajig, (2)
watchamacallit, and (3) the whatsit.

the

Note: sometimes, only the close parenthesis is used in this format.

However, usually, neither numbers nor parentheses are necessary in
such cases.
Modifying words or phrases, or interjections:
8. The writer will (one hopes) produce well-crafted prose.
9. It turns out that he had (gasp!) told the truth.
Translations, pronunciations, or equivalents:
10. She ran from the kuma (bear).
11. Stay at the warung (wah- ROONG) near the mosque.

The area code in a phone number or a unit in a mathematical

or logical expression:
13. (213) 867-5309
14. a (b+c) = d
In-text citations:
15. However, the literature is ambivalent on this issue (Howard, Fine,
and Howard 1925; Marx et. al. 1912).
Punctuation in parentheses:
A full sentence in parentheses is capitalized and is followed by a period
preceding the closing parenthesis:
Have these resources on hand before you begin. (Items listed in
parentheses are desirable but not essential.)
A partial sentence in parentheses is not capitalized and is not
followed by a period but may precede a question mark or exclamation
point:
Use a dark, fine-pointed pen (erasable pens allow for neat
alteration) or pencil.
Now that youre finished (you are finished, arent you?), we will
proceed.

PARENTHESIS AND
APOSTROPHE
By:
Esnara, Jonathan
Estudillo, Alemar Roli
Gansoen, Gretchen
Garcia, Janine
Labiaga, Jalimgi
Lai, Angel