A pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses. Dashes are considered less formal than parentheses; they are also more intrusive. If you want to draw attention to the parenthetical content, use dashes. If you want to include the parenthetical content more subtly, use parentheses.
Should I use brackets commas or dashes?
It is normal to use commas , but they can be easily confused with other commas in the sentence. Parentheses (brackets) make your parenthesis easily identifiable, but they can look a little informal. To make your parenthesis really stand out, you can use dashes, but they can look a little stark.
Can you use commas instead of parentheses?
Generally speaking, commas should never be placed before parentheses .
What punctuation can replace brackets?
A pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses. Dashes are considered less formal than parentheses; they are also more intrusive. If you want to draw attention to the parenthetical content, use dashes. If you want to include the parenthetical content more subtly, use parentheses.
Does parentheses have to be in the middle of a sentence?
Parentheses (always used in pairs) allow a writer to provide additional information. The parenthetical material might be a single word, a fragment, or multiple complete sentences. Whatever the material inside the parentheses, it must not be grammatically integral to the surrounding sentence .
What is the difference between a dash and a comma?
An em dash is most often used to indicate a pause in a sentence. It’s stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period or semicolon. ... Em dashes can also signal a sudden interruption, particularly in dialogue: “Wait!
What is the difference between parentheses and brackets?
Parentheses are punctuation marks that are used to set off information within a text or paragraph. Brackets, sometimes called square brackets, are most often used to show that words have been added to a direct quotation. ...
Do commas and periods go inside parentheses?
Generally speaking, commas should never be placed before parentheses .
Does a period go inside or outside of brackets?
The period is a strong punctuation mark—think of it as controlling the action in the sentence, which occurs outside the parentheses. 2. When a whole sentence falls inside parentheses, the period goes inside .
Can an entire sentence be in parentheses?
An entire sentence in parentheses is often acceptable without an enclosed period : Example: Please read the analysis (you’ll be amazed). Rule 2b. Take care to punctuate correctly when punctuation is required both inside and outside parentheses.
How do you write an example in parentheses?
Use parentheses to enclose information that clarifies or is used as an aside . Example: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he did not understand the question. If material in parentheses ends a sentence, the period goes after the parentheses. Example: He gave me a nice bonus ($500).
Can you put a complete sentence in parentheses?
(When a complete sentence is enclosed in parentheses, place punctuation in the sentence inside the parentheses , like this.) If only part of a sentence is enclosed in parentheses (like this), place punctuation outside the parentheses (like this).
Can you use a comma after a dash?
The em-dash does not take comma after it . That’s because, as you said it correctly, it replaces a comma so you don’t need to put it again. An em-dash may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought.
What can I use instead of a comma?
Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas.
Why are parentheses used in this sentence?
Parentheses are used to explain the statement or provide explanatory information in the sentence.
What is parentheses and examples?
Parenthesis is the use of a phrase, word or sentence that’s added into writing as extra information or an afterthought . It’s punctuated by brackets, commas or dashes. For example, ‘his favourite team – whom he had followed since the age of five – was Rockingham Rovers’.
