Parentheses vs Parenthesis: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use parentheses or parenthesis? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with using these two terms correctly. In this article, we will explore the differences between parentheses and parenthesis and provide you with the proper usage of each.

We should clarify what we mean by parentheses and parenthesis. Parentheses are a pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose a word, phrase, or sentence that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are also known as round brackets or simply brackets. On the other hand, a parenthesis is a single curved mark ( ) used to indicate an interruption or an afterthought in a sentence.

Now that we have defined the two terms, let’s dive deeper into their usage. When it comes to using parentheses, they can be used to enclose additional information that is not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. For example, “The concert (which was sold out) was amazing.” The information enclosed in parentheses can be removed, and the sentence would still make sense.

On the other hand, a parenthesis is used to indicate a break or an interruption in a sentence. For example, “The weather forecast for tomorrow looks good (fingers crossed).” In this case, the words “fingers crossed” are an afterthought and can be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence.

It’s important to note that while parentheses and parenthesis are similar, they are not interchangeable. Parentheses are always used in pairs, while a parenthesis is used singularly.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the differences between parentheses and parenthesis, let’s explore some common mistakes people make when using these terms.

Define Parentheses

Parentheses are punctuation marks that are used to set off a word, phrase, or clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are usually round and come in pairs. Parentheses are also known as round brackets or simply brackets.

For example, in the sentence “The conference (which was held in Paris) was a great success,” the phrase “which was held in Paris” is enclosed in parentheses. The sentence would still make sense without this phrase, but it provides additional information.

Parentheses can also be used to enclose numbers or letters in a list, such as “Please choose one of the following options: (a) Yes, (b) No, or (c) Maybe.”

Define Parenthesis

Parenthesis is the singular form of parentheses. It can refer to a single punctuation mark, or to a word, phrase, or clause that is enclosed in parentheses.

For example, in the sentence “The conference (which was held in Paris) was a great success,” the phrase “which was held in Paris” is a parenthesis. It is enclosed in parentheses and is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

It is important to note that the word “parenthesis” can also refer to a rhetorical device in which a writer or speaker inserts a word, phrase, or clause that is not syntactically related to the rest of the sentence. This can be used to provide additional information, create emphasis, or add humor.

Summary of Definitions

Term	Definition
Parentheses	Punctuation marks used to set off non-essential information in a sentence, usually in pairs.
Parenthesis	A single punctuation mark or non-essential information enclosed in parentheses.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When writing, it is essential to use the correct punctuation marks to convey your message effectively. One of the most common sources of confusion is the use of parentheses and parenthesis. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words in a sentence correctly.

How To Use Parentheses In A Sentence

Parentheses are used to set off a word, phrase, or clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. They can also be used to enclose additional information that the writer wants to include but does not want to emphasize. Here are some examples:

• My favorite color (blue) is also the color of the ocean.
• The conference (which was held in New York) was a huge success.
• The new employee (who has a degree in marketing) will be handling our social media accounts.

As you can see from the examples, parentheses are used to provide additional information that is not critical to the sentence’s meaning. They can also be used to clarify a point or provide an explanation.

How To Use Parenthesis In A Sentence

Parenthesis, on the other hand, is a singular noun that refers to a word, phrase, or clause that is inserted into a sentence as an explanation or afterthought. It is usually set off by commas, dashes, or brackets. Here are some examples:

• The company’s profits, (which have been steadily increasing), are expected to double next year.
• The new product – (which was developed by our research team) – has received rave reviews from customers.
• John Smith (the CEO of the company) will be speaking at the conference next week.

As you can see from the examples, parenthesis is used to provide additional information that is critical to the sentence’s meaning. It is usually set off by commas, dashes, or brackets to make it stand out from the rest of the sentence.

By using parentheses and parenthesis correctly, you can make your writing more clear and effective. Just remember that parentheses are used to provide additional information that is not critical to the sentence’s meaning, while parenthesis is used to provide critical information that is inserted into a sentence as an explanation or afterthought.

More Examples Of Parentheses & Parenthesis Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of using parentheses and parenthesis in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the correct usage of these punctuation marks.

Examples Of Using Parentheses In A Sentence

• The concert (which was sold out) was amazing.
• John (my neighbor) is a great cook.
• The book (which was written in the 1800s) is a classic.
• I have three sisters (Jane, Sarah, and Emily).
• The company (which was founded in 1995) is now worth billions of dollars.
• The movie (which was directed by Steven Spielberg) won several awards.
• He was born on July 4, 1980 (Independence Day).
• The recipe calls for flour (all-purpose or whole wheat).
• The team (which had a losing record last season) is hoping to improve this year.
• I need to buy some groceries (milk, bread, eggs, and cheese).

Examples Of Using Parenthesis In A Sentence

• The car (a red convertible) was parked on the street.
• My favorite color (blue) is calming.
• The restaurant (Italian) has great pasta dishes.
• The book (The Catcher in the Rye) is a classic coming-of-age novel.
• She has a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in biology.
• The band (The Beatles) is considered one of the greatest of all time.
• The painting (Starry Night) is a masterpiece by Vincent van Gogh.
• He has a lot of experience (20 years in the industry).
• The hotel room (which had a view of the ocean) was expensive.
• The dish (chicken cordon bleu) is a French classic.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

While parentheses and parenthesis may seem interchangeable, using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and errors in your writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Parenthesis Instead Of Parentheses

A common mistake is using the singular form “parenthesis” instead of the plural “parentheses.” While “parenthesis” refers to a single bracket, “parentheses” refers to multiple brackets. For example:

• Incorrect: I need to buy a new (parenthesis) for my keyboard.
• Correct: I need to buy new parentheses for my keyboard.

Using “parenthesis” instead of “parentheses” can cause confusion for readers and make your writing appear unprofessional.

Using Parentheses For Emphasis

Another common mistake is using parentheses for emphasis instead of using it for its intended purpose of providing additional information. For example:

• Incorrect: The movie was (amazing)!
• Correct: The movie was amazing!

Using parentheses for emphasis can make your writing appear unprofessional and can also confuse readers as to the intended meaning of your sentence.

Using Parentheses Instead Of Commas Or Dashes

Using parentheses instead of commas or dashes can also be a common mistake. Parentheses should be used to provide additional information that is not essential to the sentence, while commas and dashes are used to provide essential information. For example:

• Incorrect: The dog (which was brown) ran across the street.
• Correct: The brown dog ran across the street.
• Correct: The dog, which was brown, ran across the street.
• Correct: The dog – which was brown – ran across the street.

Using parentheses instead of commas or dashes can cause confusion for readers and make your writing appear unprofessional.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to keep in mind the intended purpose of parentheses – to provide additional information that is not essential to the sentence. Here are some tips:

• Use “parentheses” instead of “parenthesis” when referring to multiple brackets.
• Avoid using parentheses for emphasis. Instead, use strong adjectives or adverbs to convey your message.
• Use commas or dashes for essential information and parentheses for non-essential information.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Context Matters

Choosing between parentheses and parenthesis depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the difference between the two and when to use them appropriately.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between parentheses and parenthesis might change:

• Grammar: In grammar, parentheses are used to enclose additional information that is not essential to the sentence, while parenthesis is used to refer to a single bracket.
• Mathematics: In mathematics, parentheses are used to indicate multiplication or to group numbers or variables together, while parenthesis is used to refer to a single bracket.
• Writing Style: In writing, parentheses are used to add extra information or clarify a point, while parenthesis is used to refer to a single bracket.
• Programming: In programming, parentheses are used to enclose arguments in a function, while parenthesis is used to refer to a single bracket.

As you can see, the choice between parentheses and parenthesis can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the context and use the appropriate punctuation mark to convey the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While parentheses and parenthesis have specific rules for their usage, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand when and how to use them correctly to avoid any confusion or ambiguity in your writing.

Exceptions For Parentheses

One common exception to the rules for parentheses is when using them in mathematical expressions. In this case, parentheses are used to denote the order of operations and to clarify the meaning of the equation. For example:

• (2 + 3) x 4 = 20
• 2 + (3 x 4) = 14

Another exception is when using parentheses within a parenthetical phrase. In this case, the punctuation for the sentence should be placed outside the closing parenthesis. For example:

The conference (which was held in New York City) was a huge success.

Exceptions For Parenthesis

One exception for using parenthesis is when referring to singular or plural words. In this case, the parenthesis is used to indicate that either word can be used interchangeably. For example:

The company is looking to hire a marketing manager(s) for their new campaign.

Another exception is when using parenthesis to indicate a citation or reference. In this case, the author’s name and the date of the publication should be included within the parenthesis. For example:

According to Smith (2019), the new product launch was a huge success.

It is important to note that while these exceptions exist, they should be used sparingly and only when necessary to avoid any confusion or ambiguity in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the basics of parentheses and parenthesis, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these punctuation marks in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Add the appropriate punctuation mark to the following sentences:

1. The cat (black and white) sat on the windowsill.
2. I have three favorite colors red blue and green.
3. The book I am reading (which is really good) is about a detective.
4. The movie (which was directed by Steven Spielberg) won several awards.

Answer Key:

1. The cat (black and white) sat on the windowsill.
2. I have three favorite colors: red, blue, and green.
3. The book I am reading (which is really good) is about a detective.
4. The movie (which was directed by Steven Spielberg) won several awards.

Exercise 2:

Insert the appropriate word(s) in the parentheses or parenthesis:

1. The (cat) sat on the windowsill.
2. My favorite color is (blue).
3. The book I am reading (which is really good) is about a (detective).
4. The movie (which was directed by Steven Spielberg) won several (awards).

Answer Key:

1. The (cat) sat on the windowsill.
2. My favorite color is (blue).
3. The book I am reading (which is really good) is about a (detective).
4. The movie (which was directed by Steven Spielberg) won several (awards).

By practicing these exercises, you will become more comfortable with using parentheses and parenthesis in your writing. Remember to use them sparingly and only when necessary to avoid confusing your readers.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between parentheses and parenthesis, it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. Parentheses refer to a pair of curved marks used to set off a word, phrase, or clause in a sentence, while parenthesis is the singular form of parentheses.

It is important to use these terms correctly in order to convey meaning accurately and avoid confusion. Remember to use parentheses to enclose nonessential information or to clarify a point, and to use parenthesis when referring to a single mark.

Additionally, this article highlights the importance of understanding and utilizing correct grammar and language use. It is crucial to continue learning and improving our language skills in order to effectively communicate and connect with others.