Parentheses vs. Brackets — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 4, 2023
Parentheses are round () and enclose supplementary or explanatory material. Brackets are square [] and set apart material within parentheses or clarify.
Difference Between Parentheses and Brackets
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Parentheses, often recognized as round brackets, are symbols used to contain text that is not part of the main sentence but adds extra information or clarification. Brackets, on the other hand, specifically refer to square brackets and are used to set apart or interject text within other text.
In the realm of punctuation, parentheses are employed to provide further details or a side comment that might disrupt the flow if written within the main sentence. Brackets, conversely, are generally used within quoted text to insert an editorial comment, clarification, or correction.
For instance, in mathematics, parentheses are utilized to group numbers or symbols together. Brackets, in this domain, can have a different purpose depending on the context, such as denoting an interval in number sets.
In American English, parentheses can often be seen in everyday writing to offer additional context or clarify meaning. Brackets, while less frequent, can be spotted in academic and technical writing to provide added clarity within quotations or existing parentheses.
In coding and computer programming, both parentheses and brackets have distinct roles. Parentheses might be used for function calls or grouping, whereas brackets can be used for array indexes or object properties.
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Comparison Chart
Shape
Round ( )
Square [ ]
Usage
Add supplementary material
Interject within other text
In Quotes
Rarely within quotations
Insert clarification in quotes
In Math
Group numbers/symbols
Denote intervals
In Coding
Function calls/grouping
Array indexes/object properties
Compare with Definitions
Parentheses
Parentheses are curved punctuation marks.
I went to the store (the one near the bakery) to buy bread.
Brackets
Brackets are square punctuation marks.
She said she was excited [thrilled] about the trip.
Parentheses
Parentheses can surround the area code in phone numbers.
Call me at (555) 123-4567.
Brackets
Brackets contain clarifications.
The document stated, All participants [students and teachers] must attend.
Parentheses
Parentheses set aside supplementary information.
My sister (who is younger than me) loves chocolate.
Brackets
Brackets enclose words added by someone other than the original author.
He said, I'm going to [the] store.
Parentheses
Parentheses may enclose figures or letters enumerating items.
The choices are (a) blue, (b) red, or (c) green.
Brackets
Brackets, in scripts, can contain stage directions.
She yelled, No! [runs off stage]
Parentheses
Parentheses can indicate whispered or quiet remarks in a script.
He leaned in and said (whispering), It's a secret.
Brackets
A simple rigid structure in the shape of an L, one arm of which is fixed to a vertical surface, the other projecting horizontally to support a shelf or other weight.
Parentheses
Either or both of the upright curved lines, ( ), used to mark off explanatory or qualifying remarks in writing or printing or enclose a sum, product, or other expression considered or treated as a collective entity in a mathematical operation.
Brackets
A small shelf or shelves supported by such structures.
Parentheses
A qualifying or amplifying word, phrase, or sentence inserted within written matter in such a way as to be independent of the surrounding grammatical structure.
Brackets
(Architecture) A decorative or weight-bearing structural unit, two sides of which form a right angle with one arm flush against a wall and the other flush beneath a projecting surface, such as eaves or a bay window.
Parentheses
A comment departing from the theme of discourse; a digression.
Brackets
A wall-anchored fixture for gas or electricity.
Parentheses
An interruption of continuity; an interval
"This is one of the things I wasn't prepared for—the amount of unfilled time, the long parentheses of nothing" (Margaret Atwood).
Brackets
A square bracket.
Brackets
An angle bracket.
Brackets
(Mathematics) See brace.
Brackets
Chiefly British One of a pair of parentheses.
Brackets
A classification or grouping, especially within a sequence of numbers or grades, as a category of incomes sharing the same tax rate.
Brackets
A treelike diagram showing the matchups between competitors in different rounds of a tournament.
Brackets
The distance between two impacting shells, the first aimed beyond a target and the second aimed short of it, used to determine the range for artillery fire.
Brackets
The shells fired in such a manner.
Brackets
To furnish or support with a bracket or brackets.
Brackets
To place within or as if within brackets.
Brackets
To classify or group together.
Brackets
To include or exclude by establishing specific boundaries.
Brackets
To fire beyond and short of (a target) in order to determine artillery range.
Brackets
Plural of bracket
Brackets
Brackets can indicate a range in math.
The set of numbers is [5,10], including 5 but not 10.
Common Curiosities
When should I use parentheses?
Use parentheses to provide supplementary information or clarify without disrupting the main sentence flow.
What are parentheses?
Parentheses are round brackets used to enclose additional or explanatory material.
Can brackets and parentheses be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct roles in writing and should be used as per their specific purposes.
What's the role of brackets in math?
Brackets can denote intervals or sets of numbers.
When should I use brackets?
Use brackets within quoted material for editorial comments, corrections, or clarifications.
Why might I see brackets within parentheses?
Brackets are used within parentheses to add further clarity or notes to already parenthetical material.
What are brackets?
Brackets are square punctuation marks used to interject text or clarify within other text.
Can parentheses be used in math?
Yes, parentheses in math group numbers or symbols together.
How are parentheses used in coding?
Parentheses are often used for function calls or grouping in programming.
Are parentheses common in everyday writing?
Yes, parentheses are often used in everyday writing to provide additional context.
Are brackets frequent in general writing?
Brackets are less common and are typically found in academic or technical contexts.
What if I have a quotation inside a parenthesis or bracket?
The quotation marks are placed as usual, but be sure the overall sentence remains clear.
How are brackets used in coding?
Brackets in coding can denote array indexes or access object properties.
Can I use multiple sets of parentheses in a row?
It's best to avoid multiple sets for clarity; consider using punctuation or restructuring the sentence.
Do other languages use parentheses and brackets like English?
While many languages use them, the rules and frequency can differ.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
