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Punctuation Marks in English Langauge : how to use PARENTHESIS marks
Marks of Parenthesis are used to separate
expressions inserted in the body of a sentence, which are illustrative of the
meaning, but have no essential connection with the sentence, and could be done
without. They should be used as little as possible for they show that something
is being brought into a sentence that does not belong to it.
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When the unity of a sentence is broken the words
causing the break should be enclosed in parenthesis: "We cannot believe a liar
(and Jones is one), even when he speaks the truth."
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In reports of speeches marks of parenthesis are used
to denote interpolations of approval or disapproval by the audience: "The
masses must not submit to the tyranny of the classes (hear, hear), we must show
the trust magnates (groans), that they cannot ride rough-shod over our dearest
rights (cheers);" "If the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), will not be our
spokesman, we must select another. (A voice,—Get Robinson)."
When a parenthesis is inserted in the sentence where no
comma is required, no point should be used before either parenthesis. When
inserted at a place requiring a comma, if the parenthetical matter relates to
the whole sentence, a comma should be used before each parenthesis; if it
relates to a single word, or short clause, no stop should come before it, but a
comma should be put after the closing parenthesis. |
