How does the period inside or outside parentheses differ? The period is one of the most versatile and commonly used punctuation marks. Though it is often used to mark the end of a sentence, it can also be used within a sentence to set off abbreviations or introduce lists. In addition, the period can be placed inside or outside parentheses, depending on the context.
When deciding where to place the period, always consider what will make the text easiest to read and understand. In general, periods should be placed outside parentheses when they are part of a larger sentence, and inside parentheses when they are not. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so always use your best judgment.
What is the Period Inside or Outside Parentheses
Parentheses, like most punctuation marks, come in pairs. There’s an “open” parenthesis (()) and a “close” parenthesis (). We use parentheses to set off nonessential information-extra words, phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. When we want to add information that’s not essential to the meaning of our sentence, we put it in parentheses.
Parenthetical information is usually shorter and less important than the rest of the sentence. That’s why we put it in parentheses: to show that it’s not as important as the rest of the sentence. We can also use parentheses for emphasis. When we want to emphasize something-to make sure our readers don’t miss it-we put it in parentheses.
Parenthetical information often comes at the end of a sentence: The proposal (which I spent months working on) was rejected by the committee. But it can also come at the beginning or in the middle: I (like many other people) am tired of all this rain. Some writers use parentheses excessively, putting too much nonessential information in their sentences.
When this happens, the result is difficult-to-read sentences with too many interruptions. So use parentheses judiciously-only when you need them to add nonessential information or for emphasis.
When to use the Period Inside or Outside Parentheses
If the material inside the parentheses is a complete sentence (even if it is a fragment), use a period at the end. Example: He finally answered (after taking forever to think about it).
If the material inside the parentheses is not a complete sentence, don’t use a period. Example: We bond with people who have a similar worldview (which explains why we love our friends and family so much). The exception to this rule is when an entire sentence is contained in parentheses.
In that case, the period goes outside the closing parenthesis. Example: I read Moby-Dick (or at least I tried to). As you can see from these examples, whether or not you use a period depends on what’s going on grammatically outside the parentheses, not inside them. So if you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of not using a period.
How to Determine Whether to Use the Period Inside or Outside Parentheses
When in doubt, it is usually better to leave the period outside parentheses. This will help keep your text easy to read and understand. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If the material inside the parentheses is a complete sentence, use a period at the end. If the material inside the parentheses is not a complete sentence, don’t use a period.
If an entire sentence is contained in parentheses, put the period outside the closing parenthesis. Always consider what will make the text easiest to read and understand when deciding where to put a period in relation to a parenthesis.
When used properly, parentheses can help add clarity, interesting information, and emphasis to your writing.
Guidelines for Using the Period Inside or Outside Parentheses
Parentheses can also be used to set off numbers that are not fractions or decimals. In this case, the period goes inside the parentheses. Example: The budget was slashed (from $10 million to $5 million).
When abbreviating a unit of measurement, the period goes inside the parentheses. For example, kg (kilograms), lb (pounds), and sq ft (square feet).
If you are including a source in your text, use parentheses to enclose the information that corresponds with the in-text citation. For example: According to Smith (2003), “the study found that… .”
And, use parentheses to include a translation in your text. For example: He said (in Spanish), “Quiero una taza de café.”
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is accurate and professional looking. Whenever you need to use a period with parentheses, take a moment to consider which of the rules above applies and make sure you are using it correctly.
Tips for Mastering the Period Inside or Outside Parentheses
- Use a period inside parentheses if the material is a complete sentence.
- Don’t use a period if the material inside the parentheses is not a complete sentence.
- If an entire sentence is contained in parentheses, put the period outside the closing parenthesis.
- Leave the period outside parentheses if in doubt.
- For numbers that are not fractions or decimals, use a period inside the parentheses.
- When abbreviating a unit of measurement, use a period inside the parentheses as well.
- In-text citations and translations should also be enclosed in parentheses, with the period placed accordingly.
- Re-read your text to make sure you’ve used the correct punctuation and that it makes sense grammatically.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure accuracy and professional looking writing every time you need to use parentheses!
Understanding Why it is Important to Adhere to Specific Rules When Using the Period Inside and Outside Parentheses
When punctuating with parentheses, it is important to understand and adhere to the specific rules that apply. Different situations will require different types of punctuation, and if you are not sure which rule to follow, it is best to err on the side of caution and not use a period at all. In most cases, it is best to leave the period outside the parentheses so that the text is easy to read and understand.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If the material inside the parentheses is a complete sentence, use a period at the end. If the material inside the parentheses is not a complete sentence, don’t use a period.
If an entire sentence is contained in parentheses, put the period outside the closing parenthesis. Always consider what will make the text easiest to read and understand when deciding where to put a period in relation to a parenthesis.
When using parentheses, it is also important to be aware of how they can add clarity, interesting information, and emphasis to your writing. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert at punctuating with parentheses!
Why it is Important to Pay Attention to the Placement of Periods in Parenthetical Phrases
When you use parentheses, it is very important to follow some specific rules about where to put the period. Different situations need different types of periods. If you’re not sure which rule to follow, it’s better not to use a period at all. Usually, it is best to leave the period outside the parentheses so that people can read and understand your text easily.
But there are a few exceptions. If the material in the parentheses is a complete sentence, put the period inside the parentheses. If it’s not a complete sentence, don’t use a period. If an entire sentence is in parentheses, put the period outside the parentheses. Pay attention to how parentheses can add clarity, information, and emphasis to your writing!
How the Use of a Period Can Change the Meaning of a Sentence When Written with Parentheses and Periods
When you use parentheses in your writing, it’s important to understand how the placement of the period can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, take this sentence: “I’m going (period) to the store.” This sentence is saying that the person is going to the store, and the parentheses are just adding extra information.
But if you changed the sentence to “I’m going (. period) to the store,” it would mean that the person is going to the store right now. So be careful with how you use parentheses and periods in your writing, because they can change the meaning of a sentence very easily!
Conclusion
By understanding and following the rules of using periods with parentheses, you can ensure that your writing is accurate and professional looking. Remember to always consider what will make the text easiest to read when deciding where to place a period in relation to a parenthesis.
Pay attention to how parentheses can add clarity, emphasis, and interesting information to your writing. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be sure to punctuate correctly every time!
FAQs
Q: How do I know when to use a period inside or outside of parentheses?
A: When writing with parentheses, you must always place the period either inside or outside of the closing parenthesis. Generally, if the material within the parentheses is an independent clause then it should have its own period. If the material within the parentheses is part of a larger sentence, then it should not have its own period and instead should follow the punctuation used at the end of that sentence.
Q: Are there any exceptions to this rule?
A: Yes! In American English there are two main exceptions to this rule. First, if a single letter (or multiple letters) is put between parentheses to stand for a word in informal writing, then the period should be placed outside of the parentheses. Secondly, if a sentence ends with an abbreviation that includes a period, then the period should always go inside of the closing parenthesis.
Q: Are there any other tips to keep in mind when using parentheses?
A: Yes! It is important to note that if you are using multiple sentences within your parentheses, each sentence must have its own closing punctuation mark (such as a question mark or exclamation point). Additionally, it is important to remember that when you use parentheses for emphasis in writing, less is more and all unnecessary words should be excluded. Finally, whenever possible try to avoid long stretches of text within your parentheses since this can make your writing difficult to read.
