Welcome to the World of Parenthesis!

Have you ever been telling a story and realized you wanted to add a little bit of extra information right in the middle? Maybe you wanted to mention a character's age, a secret fact, or a quick explanation. That "extra bit" is called parenthesis.

In this chapter, we will learn how to use three different types of punctuation—brackets, dashes, and commas—to tuck extra information into our sentences without making a mess!

What is Parenthesis?

Parenthesis is a word, phrase, or even a whole sentence that is added to a piece of writing as extra information or an afterthought.

The most important thing to remember is this: If you take the parenthesis out, the rest of the sentence must still make sense on its own.

Example:
The cake (which was chocolate) tasted delicious.
If we take out the extra bit, we get: The cake tasted delicious. (This still makes perfect sense!)

The "Finger Test" Trick

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! You can always use the Finger Test. Use your fingers to cover up the information inside the punctuation. Read the rest of the sentence. If it sounds like a complete, normal sentence, you have used parenthesis correctly!

The Three Punctuation Partners

We have three choices when we want to show parenthesis. Each one gives the reader a slightly different "feeling."

1. Brackets ( )

Brackets are used for clear facts, dates, or "whispered" information that isn't essential to the main story.

  • The Great Fire of London (1666) started in a bakery.
  • My dog (a tiny pug) thinks he is a scary wolf.

Key Takeaway: Use brackets for "boring" facts or secret asides.

2. Dashes – –

Dashes are like a "shout" or a sudden interruption. They draw the reader's attention to the extra information and add a bit of drama or excitement.

  • The dragon – who was extremely hungry – opened his massive jaws.
  • I finally reached the summit – after hours of climbing – and saw the view.

Key Takeaway: Use dashes when you want the extra information to stand out!

3. Commas , ,

Commas are the most common way to show parenthesis. They are "gentle" and keep the sentence flowing smoothly. They are great for adding descriptions.

  • Mrs. Smith, my favorite teacher, is leaving the school.
  • The ocean, which was sparkling in the sun, looked very cold.

Key Takeaway: Use commas for everyday descriptions that don't need to be shouted or whispered.

The "Sandwich" Rule

When parenthesis is in the middle of a sentence, you must use two punctuation marks—one at the start of the extra bit and one at the end. Think of them like the two slices of bread in a sandwich!

Common Mistake to Avoid: Forgetting the second mark.
Wrong: The cat, who was ginger was sleeping.
Right: The cat, who was ginger, was sleeping.

Note: If the parenthesis comes at the very end of a sentence, the full stop (or question mark) takes the place of the second dash or comma. However, with brackets, you still need to close them before the full stop!

  • We went to the zoo (my favorite place).
  • We went to the zoo – my favorite place.

Quick Review: Which one should I use?

While all three are often grammatically correct, choosing the right one is like picking the right volume for your voice:

Commas = Normal speaking voice (smooth and clear).
Brackets = A quiet whisper (facts and extras).
Dashes = A loud interruption (dramatic and exciting).

Key Terms to Remember:

Parenthesis: The extra information added to a sentence.
Brackets: Marks used for facts or "whispered" info.
Dashes: Marks used for emphasis or dramatic interruption.
Commas: Marks used for a gentle, flowing addition of information.

Note: For other ways to use commas, dashes, or colons, check out the chapters on "Commas to clarify meaning" or "Colons and single dashes".