What are the rules for using parentheses

To clarify certain words

Explanation:

Use parentheses around nonessential information or abrupt changes in thought.

When the words in parentheses form a complete sentence, place a period inside the closing parenthesis.

No personal phone calls are allowed on company time. (Refer to the policy manual.)

When the words in parentheses are not a complete sentence, place the period outside the closing parenthesis.

The meeting will be held next year (in March).

Always place commas, semicolons, and colons outside the closing parenthesis.

The tasks consist of filling out paper work (including HR documents), setting up your email account, and getting a photo ID.

If the information in parentheses requires a question mark or an exclamation mark, use the mark inside the parentheses only if the sentence ends with a different mark.

Richard Bender (remember him?) stopped by to see me yesterday.

Do you remember Richard (think you can remember back that far) from the bank?

Use parentheses to clarify preceding words.

Next week we will study the hydrologic cycle (also known as the water cycle).

Use parentheses for references or documentation of sources.

Fifty contracts were issued this year. (See Table 1.)

The U.S. leads the world in Internet use (Leslie 89).

Use parentheses around an abbreviation or an acronym when it is used with the spelled–out word.

Please submit the Student Aid Report (SAR).

Use parentheses in a horizontal list of items that uses either letters or numbers.

I need three items from the store: (1) apples, (2) bread, and (3) milk.

The following information must be included: (a) name, (b) address, and (c) driver's license number.

Capitalize the first word in parentheses if it is a proper noun or the beginning of a complete sentence.

Verify all items. (Check the boxes.)

Call the assistant (Robert Digg) at noon.

Use parentheses around numerals used with a spelled–out number.

I have ninety (90) dollars left from my paycheck.

Use parentheses for minor subdivisions in alphanumeric outlines.

I.

A.

B.

1.

2.

a.

b.

(1)

(2)

(a)

(b)

II.

showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence

definition was not one of the four methods