Parentheses and Dashes
Parentheses ( )
Purpose:
- Provide extra/nonessential information.
- Separate material (a word, phrase, or sentence) from the main part of the sentence.
- De-emphasize the importance of the material in the parentheses.
Punctuation:
-
When parenthetic information is part of the main sentence, the sentence punctuation goes outside the parenthesis.
Example: Many viewers complain about the excessive praise of a particular American Idol judge (Paula Abdul).
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When the punctuation belongs to the parenthetical information itself, the punctuation goes inside the parenthesis.
Example: Singers are often criticized for being "pitchy." (A pitchy singer typically gives a poor vocal performance.)
Dashes -
Purpose:
- Similar to the function of parentheses, except dashes emphasize information.
-
Join a phrase to the end of a sentence to add an example, illustration, or contradiction.
Example: American Idol is hosted by the most humorous man on earth - Ryan Seacrest.
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Insert an idea into the middle of a sentence to add an example, illustration, or contradiction.
- The idea must be enclosed by dashes and could be lifted out of the sentence without affecting its overall sense.
Example: Channel 19 - considered by many as the home of trashy television - airs American Idol on Tuesday nights.
