Parentheses vs. Parenthesis — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 30, 2024
Parentheses refer to both symbols in a pair "(" and ")", used to include additional information, while parenthesis is the singular form, referring to one of the symbols or the information within.
Difference Between Parentheses and Parenthesis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Parentheses are punctuation marks used in pairs to enclose additional information, asides, or clarifications within a sentence without significantly altering its main message. On the other hand, parenthesis refers either to the singular form of one of these marks or to the concept or content inserted within the pair of parentheses.
The use of parentheses can subtly change the tone or add nuance to a sentence, indicating that the information enclosed is supplementary. A parenthesis, when discussing the content, often contains non-essential information that could be omitted without losing the sentence's primary meaning.
In writing, parentheses can introduce examples, provide clarification, or offer brief explanations. In contrast, a single parenthesis might be mentioned in discussions about grammar or punctuation, focusing on its role or function within the broader context of punctuation marks.
Parentheses are recognized universally in written English and have specific rules regarding their placement and the punctuation surrounding them. Meanwhile, the term "parenthesis" can be used to describe the rhetorical device of inserting supplementary information into discourse, highlighting its function rather than its form.
When reading aloud, information within parentheses might be read in a lower tone or faster pace, indicating its secondary importance. The concept of a parenthesis, especially when referring to the information within, underscores the idea of additional but non-critical content that could enhance understanding or provide context.
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Comparison Chart
Form
Pair of symbols "(" and ")".
Singular form of one symbol or the content within the pair.
Function
Enclose additional information or clarifications.
Refers to one symbol or the concept/content within the pair.
Usage in Writing
Used to add supplementary information, examples, or explanations.
Discussed in terms of grammar or the rhetorical device of inserting extra information.
Impact on Sentence
Indicates supplementary information without altering the main message.
Non-essential information that could be omitted without losing the primary meaning.
Pronunciation
Information within is often read in a lower tone or faster pace.
Refers to the concept of adding supplementary but non-critical content.
Compare with Definitions
Parentheses
Pair of punctuation marks.
She bought the most popular snacks (chips, candy, popcorn) for the party.
Parenthesis
Used in discussions of grammar.
A parenthesis is often used for additional explanations.
Parentheses
Enclose asides or clarifications.
The conference (which was postponed twice) is scheduled for next month.
Parenthesis
Contains non-essential information.
The information in the parenthesis can be omitted without changing the sentence's meaning.
Parentheses
Offer explanations within a sentence.
The CEO (appointed in 2020) implemented the new policy.
Parenthesis
Refers to content within parentheses.
The parenthesis provided necessary context for the statement.
Parentheses
Used to include additional information.
He finally answered (after several minutes of silence) that he was unsure.
Parenthesis
Enhances understanding or provides context.
Including a parenthesis can clarify the author's intent.
Parentheses
Indicate supplementary details.
All participants (see Appendix A for the list) received a survey.
Parenthesis
Singular form of parentheses.
Use a parenthesis to mark off information.
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.
Parenthesis
A word or phrase inserted as an explanation or afterthought into a passage which is grammatically complete without it, in writing usually marked off by brackets, dashes, or commas
In a challenging parenthesis, Wordsworth comments on the evil effects of contemporary developments
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.
Parenthesis
An interlude or interval
The three months of coalition government were a lamentable political parenthesis
Parentheses
A comment departing from the theme of discourse; a digression.
Parenthesis
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.
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).
Parenthesis
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.
Parenthesis
A comment departing from the theme of discourse; a digression.
Parenthesis
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).
Parenthesis
A clause, phrase or word which is inserted (usually for explanation or amplification) into a passage which is already grammatically complete, and usually marked off with brackets, commas or dashes.
Parenthesis
Either of a pair of brackets, especially round brackets, ( and ) (used to enclose parenthetical material in a text).
Parenthesis
(rhetoric) A digression; the use of such digressions.
Parenthesis
Such brackets as used to clarify expressions by grouping those terms affected by a common operator, or to enclose the components of a vector or the elements of a matrix.
Parenthesis
A word, phrase, or sentence, by way of comment or explanation, inserted in, or attached to, a sentence which would be grammatically complete without it. It is usually inclosed within curved lines (see def. 2 below), or dashes.
Don't suffer every occasional thought to carry you away into a long parenthesis.
Parenthesis
One of the curved lines () which inclose a parenthetic word or phrase.
Parenthesis
Either of two punctuation marks (or) used to enclose textual material
Parenthesis
A message that departs from the main subject
Common Curiosities
What is the main function of parentheses?
The main function of parentheses is to enclose additional information, clarifications, or asides in a sentence.
How does the use of a single parenthesis differ from the pair?
A single parenthesis refers to one of the symbols or to the concept of inserting additional information, while the pair encloses the information itself.
Can parentheses affect the tone of a sentence?
Yes, parentheses can subtly change the tone, suggesting that the enclosed information is less critical or is an aside.
Is the information inside parentheses always necessary?
No, the information inside parentheses is supplementary and can often be omitted without changing the main meaning of the sentence.
Are there rules for punctuating sentences with parentheses?
Yes, there are specific rules, such as placing punctuation outside the parentheses if the enclosed information is part of a larger sentence.
Can parenthesis be used in all types of writing?
While parenthesis can be used in many types of writing, its appropriateness can vary with the formal or informal nature of the text.
Can a sentence contain multiple parentheses?
Yes, a sentence can contain multiple sets of parentheses for separate pieces of supplementary information.
Is there a difference in pronunciation when reading text with parentheses?
Yes, text within parentheses is often read in a lower tone or at a faster pace, indicating secondary importance.
What is a common mistake when using parentheses?
A common mistake is overusing parentheses, which can clutter the text and distract from the main message.
How does the singular form 'parenthesis' relate to its plural form?
The singular form refers to one mark or the concept of insertion, while the plural form refers to the pair of marks used in writing.
Can using parentheses improve sentence variety in writing?
Yes, using parentheses can add variety and depth to writing by incorporating secondary information in a non-disruptive way.
How does parenthesis contribute to clarity in writing?
Parenthesis can enhance clarity by providing additional context, explanations, or examples without cluttering the main sentence.
How should parentheses be used in formal writing?
In formal writing, parentheses should be used sparingly, ensuring that the enclosed information is relevant but not essential to the main argument.
Can the omission of parentheses change a sentence’s meaning?
Omitting parentheses might not change the core meaning but can remove helpful context or clarification.
Are parentheses used in mathematical expressions the same as in writing?
Yes, in mathematics, parentheses serve a similar function to group elements but follow specific operational rules.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
