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Definitions from the Web

Term: When Should Brackets Be Used?

Description:

Brackets, also known as parentheses, are punctuation marks used to enclose extra information or clarify a statement within a sentence. They are mainly used to set off or highlight supplementary material that is not essential but provides additional context or explanation. Brackets can be used in various situations and serve different purposes depending on the context and writing style.

Senses and Usages:

1. Parentheses for Additional Information:

Brackets are often utilized to include additional or explanatory details within a sentence without disrupting the flow of the main message. The enclosed information is usually related but not crucial to the sentence's core meaning.

Example: Sarah (my best friend) loves to travel.

2. Clarifying or Emphasizing:

In some cases, brackets are used to make clarifications or place emphasis on particular words or phrases. This usage helps in avoiding ambiguity or ensuring readers grasp the intended meaning.

Example: He said he loved [only] the chocolate cake.

3. Mathematical and Technical Usage:

In mathematical and technical writing, brackets are commonly employed to denote grouping or to indicate precedence in equations or formulas.

Example: (2 + 3) × 4 = 20

4. Citations and References:

When citing references, brackets can be used to make alterations or include additional information such as page numbers or author names to fit the sentence's context.

Example: According to Smith [2019], the theory is still widely debated.

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