Use parenthesis for the inserted material itself, whether it is marked by round brackets, commas, or dashes.
Use parenthesis for the inserted material itself, whether it is marked by round brackets, commas, or dashes.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The phrase in brackets is the parenthesis marks. | The phrase in brackets is the parenthesis. |
| The clause that defines the subject is a parenthesis. | The clause that defines the subject is not a parenthesis, because it is essential. |
| Her youngest sister the one in Australia is a parenthesis. | Her youngest sister, the one in Australia, is followed by a parenthesis. |
| He added a parenthesis to strongly emphasize the word. | He added a parenthesis to give extra information. |
Use parenthesis for one mark and parentheses for the pair, especially in American English. British English often uses bracket or round bracket for the marks.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Put the dates in parenthesis. | Put the dates in parentheses. |
| She typed one parentheses before the note. | She typed one parenthesis before the note. |
| The formula (a + b has a parenthesis missing. | The formula (a + b) has a parenthesis missing. |
| Use a parenthesis for square brackets like [this]. | Use square brackets for [this] and parentheses for (this). |
Use parenthesis in this formal sense for a temporary break or aside in a story, argument, or life, not for any ordinary delay.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| We took a parenthesis for coffee at ten. | We took a break for coffee at ten. |
| The train's parenthesis lasted five minutes. | The train's delay lasted five minutes. |
| The holiday was a parenthesis in the meeting agenda. | The holiday was an interlude in a difficult year. |
| Please wait during this parenthesis. | Please wait during this pause. |
Use parenthesis for one inserted remark, one curved mark, or a formal interruption, and use parentheses when referring to a pair of marks.
In parenthesis is often used where in parentheses is meant, especially when more than one mark or a pair of marks is involved.
From Late Latin parenthesis, from Greek parenthesis, literally “a putting in beside,” formed from roots meaning “beside,” “in,” and “to put.” English first used it for inserted words in the 1540s, and later for the curved marks used to show them.
What does parenthesis mean?
Parenthesis can mean an inserted remark, one of the curved marks ( ), or a formal interruption in a sequence of events.
What is the plural of parenthesis?
The plural is parentheses.
Is parenthesis the same as parentheses?
No. Parenthesis is singular, while parentheses is plural and usually means the pair of marks ( ).
Can a parenthesis be set off without round brackets?
Yes. A parenthesis can be set off by commas or dashes when it is an inserted remark rather than the marks themselves.
What does in parentheses mean?
It means that information is placed inside the marks ( ), as in a date, citation, note, or grouped expression.
What is a parenthesis in mathematics?
It is one of the marks used to group part of an expression, often to show which operation should be handled first.
What is a parenthesis in programming?
It is a curved delimiter used in many languages for function calls, conditions, grouping, and other syntax.
Is parenthesis British or American?
American English commonly uses parenthesis and parentheses for the marks. British English often says bracket or round bracket.
Where does parenthesis come from?
It comes through Latin from Greek roots meaning “a putting in beside,” which fits the older sense of inserted words.