Periods are one of the most common punctuation marks in English, with one study finding they make up around half of all punctuation marks used. I'm so mad she said, "Honey, collate all these papers" (exclamation point) 2. I felt it was necessary to attend the school board meeting. I am aware that there are other rules in circulation, such as Stumpf's. The period is placed BEFORE the closing parenthesis. According to "The Grammar Bible" by Michael Stumpf, p. 537: "The punctuation for parenthetical items remains within the parentheses. Specifically, you only use a period to end declarative sentences (statements) or imperative sentences (commands). As a general rule, a period represent a stop and anything after the period represents a new subject matter. (Several other events were offered to the athletes, but they were not chosen as official events by the students.). (You'll be amazed.) Does the Period Go Before or After Parentheses? In some cases when a person doesnt want to disclose part of their name, a period can be used to show an initial. How do you properly quote? . Choosing 2 shoes from 6 pairs of different shoes. She replied, Please call me if you have any questions (but only between 7:03 and 7:11 p.m. on Wednesdays). There are a lot of confusingpunctuation marksin theEnglish language. This helps organize a sentence and makes it easier for your reader to follow. - Hellion Oct 28, 2016 at 15:12 2 This reply is made in response to a question posted on a public message board. What about the ending punctuation for the sentence in your second example? Exclamation marks represent excitement, urgency, or yelling in written English. (Work has been particularly exhausting.) It makes me glad I use British English. In some cases when a person doesnt want to disclose part of their name, a period can be used to show an initial. In American English, the period goes inside the closing quotation mark at the end of a sentence. What Are Proper Nouns and How Do I Use Them? Heres an example of the difference . Commas dont go inside parentheses because theyre not terminal punctuation like periods, exclamation points, and question marks. I'd like to receive the free email course. Periods are also sometimes used for initials when only the first letter of a word or name is present, such as in H. G. Wells. One is to show that part of a quote has been omitted: Passive Voice: When to Avoid It and When to Use It. If the material within the parentheses is part of a larger sentence, then it should not have its own period and instead should follow the punctuation used at the end of that sentence. American English isn't the same as British English regarding language rules. An entire sentence in parentheses is often acceptable without an enclosed period: Example: Please read the analysis (you'll be amazed). , which can indicate that some words or entire sentences have been omitted (we explain more about ellipses below). My mother loved to remind me of the old saying waste not, want not., Phillip said, I cant remember where I heard about the banjo concert, but I sure want to go.. Adelina wanted to become a doctor after watching the anime Cells at Work!. mark in English that expresses the end of a sentence and sometimes abbreviations. When you use a colon, semicolon, parenthesis, exclamation mark, or question mark, the American rules dictate that the punctuation should go outside of the quotes. Question marks and exclamation points with parentheses, Commas, dashes, colons, semicolons with parentheses, The deadline is 4 p.m. (Applications will not be accepted after that time. The period is one of the most versatile and commonly used punctuation marks. What about if the entire sentence is a parenthetical (as below)? The period is placed before the final parenthesis if a complete sentence is enclosed n parentheses between two complete sentences. Another common use of periods for abbreviations is with the time periods a.m. (ante meridiem) and p.m. (post meridiem). Answer (1 of 5): If only part of the sentence is parenthetical, then you put the final punctuation (period, question mark, etc.) (Tremors were concentrated to specific locations [see Klintberg 2011], The humble snake plant is almost unkillable (, Tectonic activity decreased in the region (but was concentrated to specific locations [see Klintberg 2011]), Cacti are the easiest plants to grow indoors. In some style guides, you would abbreviate academic degrees using periods such as B.A. We booked our tickets through a website. Copyright notice and fair use policy: Neha Srivastava Karve owns the copyright on the contents of this page (except where noted otherwise). The apartment had a small shelf with an electric kettle and a microwave perched precariously on it (which the listing called a kitchen). How does the period inside or outside parentheses differ? rev2023.3.1.43268. Although this article focuses specifically on period placement, it is important to highlight where other punctuation marks belong. If an entire sentence is contained in parentheses, put the period outside the closing parenthesis. Parentheses are just one of the many types of punctuation marks that add voice and information to your writing. Periods, question marks, and exclamation points should go before the closing parenthesis or bracket only if they belong to the words inside the parentheses or brackets. Unfortunately, our concerns fell on deaf ears. There are two types of parentheticals: Weight of Authority: gives the precendential value of a cited case (only used for cases! Yes, it does lead to double punctuationwhich is what you did with your sentence in your reply to me. The use of periods in abbreviations and initials varies from case to case, country to country, and even style guide to style guide. Place quotation marks inside parentheses to punctuate a word or a phrase that belongs within the parentheses. I distinctly remember learning in grade school (likely over 10 years ago) that punctuation goes within the parenthesis. Though it is often used to mark the end of a sentence, it can also be used within a sentence to set off abbreviations or introduce lists. In the second example, when a question or exclamation mark comes at the end of a sentence, theres no need for an additional ending punctuation after the quote marks. When an exclamation or question interrupts is offset in parentheses within a complete sentence, always place your end mark before the closing parenthesis. Its hard to pick just one, but my favorite Taylor Swift song is Ready for It?. Here are some examples: Example: We bond with people who have a similar worldview (which explains why we love our friends and family so much). There was an error submitting your subscription. The period should come after the parentheses. So be careful with how you use parentheses and periods in your writing, because they can change the meaning of a sentence very easily! Square brackets are used within parentheses as brackets within brackets. Put the period outside the parentheses if what's inside is a subordinate or dependent clause (meaning that it could not stand on its own as a sentence). Parentheses must be properly punctuated, and the correct placement of a period is important to understand what is contained within the parentheses. Additionally, it is important to remember that when you use parentheses for emphasis in writing, less is more and all unnecessary words should be excluded. Generally, periods act to fully end a sentence with a punctual stop, whereas parentheses allows you to add tangents and notes into existing sentences. Take care . This is such a tough question! Privacy Policy. When used properly, parentheses can help add clarity, interesting information, and emphasis to your writing. Example: He finally answered (after taking forever to think about it). These are the same conventions I'm aware of. The Basics Citation parentheticals allow you to give the reader important information in a very concise manner. For quotation marks, several conventions exist (mainly en-UK vs. en-US). Secondly, if a sentence ends with an abbreviation that includes a period, then the period should always go inside of the closing parenthesis. Driving cross-country is fun (as long as you have good company). The athletes competed in several events (biking, running, and swimming). english.stackexchange.com/questions/7548/, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. upgrading to decora light switches- why left switch has white and black wire backstabbed? Parentheses are an excellent way to offset the main sentences explanations, detail, and asides. Remember to always consider what will make the text easiest to read when deciding where to place a period in relation to a parenthesis. This response is for general information only. For numbers that are not fractions or decimals, use a period inside the parentheses. DO NOT use a period if a phrase or declarative sentence interrupts another sentence. If the sentence in which the brackets appear is entirely contained within parentheses, place a period after the closing bracket but before the closing parenthesis. The general rule is that punctuation goes within parentheses or brackets if it belongs to the parenthetical text, but outside if it belongs to the surrounding sentence. It suggests that the speaker is outraged, excited, or otherwise alarmed about whats going on. The Information within your parentheses should be able to be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Punctuate the primary portion of the sentence as if the parenthetical portion were not there.". On the other hand, abbreviations for non-metric units of measurement, like the American system, use a period (, If a person uses initials for only part of their name, use periods (, ). Do not copy any images from this page or this website. . After earning a perfect score on the Writing SAT, I worked my way through Brown University by moonlighting as a Kaplan Test Prep tutor. There are times when the punctuation belongs after, or outside, the parentheses as well. But, if the parenthetical material is nested inside another sentence, the period should go on the outside: Charlie barked wildly when he caught the scent of fresh bacon (his favorite). With degrees in science, English, and literacy, she has worked to create cross-curricular materials to bridge learning gaps and help students focus on effective writing and speech techniques. When parenthetical content occurs in the middle of a larger sentence, the surrounding punctuation should be placed outside the parentheses, exactly as it would be if the parenthetical content were not there. When it comes to aparentheticalsentence, how can you get this right? <. Please read the investigation (you'll be flabbergasted). Parenthetical information is usually shorter and less important than the rest of the sentence. Maybe Binsa didnt ask her sister before borrowing the dress! Another common use of periods for abbreviations is with the time periods, are technically correct, it is becoming increasingly popular to simply write, Periods are used outside of grammar as well. Its been updated to include new information. Rules for using other punctuation along with quotation marks. (They were cheaper online). At the end of the quote put the period after the last word of the sentence followed by the parentheses. Sometimes a whole sentence is parenthetical. Periods are placed at the end of declarative sentences (statements) and imperative sentences (commands). Several other courses were offered, but they were not as popular. Although I'm from the US, I find myself using the UK convention for quotes more often than not. I guess we could meet you there later. Do periods go inside or outside quotation marks? @sje397 Not quite. To distinguish between sources with the same . Follow these guidelines, and youll be well on your way to becoming an expert at punctuating with parentheses! Maybe my grammar books were just wrong? Take care to intersperse effectively when accentuation is required both inside and outside enclosures. Copyright 2023 | Become a Writer Today. Most of the vendors only sold hot dogs. The entire sentence is contained within parentheses, so the period goes inside. If your quote is forty words or more, open a new line, indent one inch, and do not use quotation marks. Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant. It is one of the most used punctuation marks and the most common way to conclude a sentence. Bart F. recently wrote, "I read your Bluebook rules, but the examples omitted the common usage found when a sentence ends with a quote that completes the thought.". I would take the most logical answer (i.e. Pay attention to how parentheses can add clarity, information, and emphasis to your writing! Rule 2a. outside of the parenthesis: When used as a collective noun, the term 'media' encapsulates print (newspaper and magazines), audio-visual (TV and movies), aural (radio),. Making sure your reader knows the purpose of your writing is essential; proper punctuation can help with that. The new house we bought (Are the neighbors still unaware that we moved in?) When you use them, be sure to punctuate them correctly. Where do I put the period when I'm quoting? If the material inside the parentheses is not a complete sentence, dont use a period. Table of Contents Quotation marks go inside parentheses if the quoted text is contained entirely within parentheses. for Bachelor of Arts or Ph.D. for Doctor of Philosophy. Free learning resource on English grammar, punctuation, usage, and style. All rights reserved. Place quotation marks outside parentheses if they belong to the surrounding sentence. Since it is entirely separate from the previous sentence, it must begin with a capital letter and end with its own appropriate punctuation mark placed inside the closing parenthesis. You cant put a period at the end of every sentence, however. If thats the case, you should leave it as part of the quotation, placing it inside the quotation marks. Is the colon, semicolon, parenthesis, exclamation point, or question mark a part of the direct quote? For example: She went to the grocery store and bought a lot of items (sugar, bread, candy, beer, and vegetables). There shouldnt be a time when you need to use two periods in a row, one inside the parentheses and one outside the parentheses. Adelina wanted to become a doctor after watching the anime Cells at Work! The rules get a little easier for colons and semicolons in parentheses dont put them in there. This will help keep your text easy to read and understand. Just likeexclamation marksand theclosingquotation mark,parenthesescan be difficult to learn informal writing. Thats why we put it in parentheses: to show that its not as important as the rest of the sentence. Below, we explain precisely when to use periods in your. Here I have an example (with a parenthetical remark). Then, lets look at the basic punctuation rules with parentheses and some simple examples. is correct, since you are writing the description of the word 'sentence' in the parenthesis and your sentence actually ends after that description. This would not be correct. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? ). However, if the text in parentheses is part of a larger sentence, place the period outside to end that sentence. When you spot them, think about moving the punctuation to the outside of the double quotes. However, they come with their own set of punctuation rules. Parentheses are an excellent way to offset the main sentence's explanations, detail, and asides. While I place my periods outside the quotation marks, I'm left feeling haunted by the idea that an American might think I'm the ignorant one since I'm putting periods after closing quotes when the text being quoted is part of the structure of the sentence itself, not a dialogue in a story nor a quotation of a complete sentence. @RLH I wouldn't trust English teachers on this kind of thing they usually just say what they think is intuitively right. Can the em dash replace both the semicolon and comma in these? You can use a comma right before parentheses when youre making a numbered list within a sentence. In summary: If the parenthetical is part of a larger sentence, then the sentence housing the parenthetical takes care of the punctuationcommas, periods, and anything else will go outside the parentheses. Anita studies marine mammals (like whales, dolphins, and seals). (But if I'm gonna just put an entire sentence in parentheses, the period stays inside, like this.) When we want to add information thats not essential to the meaning of our sentence, we put it in parentheses. The main use of a period is to express the end of certain sentences, but it can also be used to show shortened words or removed information. (See, Tectonic activity decreased in the region. Incorrect: Students completed several psychology courses (social, personality, and clinical. As a general rule, a period goes outside of the parentheses when the parenthetical phrase is an incomplete sentence sharing contextual information or examples. The primary function of a period is to signal the end of a sentence. Below, we explain precisely when to use periods in your writing. There is a reason why everyone is puzzled about this issue. What Is A Superlative And How Do They Work? When a whole sentence falls inside parentheses, the period goes inside. . We often have our hands full dealing with just a single colon, semicolon, orheaven forbida comma. Inside quotation marks. Wait a minute . Because the colon and question mark are part of the quotes, theyre included inside the quotation marks. *Place other punctuation inside quotation marks when that punctuation is part of what is being quoted, such as a quoted question. When using parentheses, it is also important to be aware of how they can add clarity, interesting information, and emphasis to your writing. A period, or full stop, is a punctuation mark in English that expresses the end of a sentence and sometimes abbreviations. Write with Grammarly. You also never add a comma right before parentheses or right after parentheses. But what happens when the parenthetical expression falls at the end of a sentence? When theres a set of parentheses in a sentence, the period follows the full sentence, no matter where the parentheses are. They are easy to use and provide clarification and information to your reader. Three periods together make a new punctuation mark called an ellipsis, which can indicate that some words or entire sentences have been omitted (we explain more about ellipses below). Where does the period go when using parentheses? Communicate clearly The period should be outside the final parenthesis in your sentence because it ends the sentence, not the phrase inside the parentheses. The period goes outside if the text within parentheses is part of a larger sentence. 1) Outside the quotation marks: colons, semicolons, and dashes. Ackermann Function without Recursion or Stack, Am I being scammed after paying almost $10,000 to a tree company not being able to withdraw my profit without paying a fee. The final period or comma goes inside the quotation marks, even if it is not a part of the quoted material, unless the quotation is followed by a citation. But this depends on the situation. For example: Abbreviations for specific time periods often use periods, including abbreviated months (, Abbreviations for metric units of measures do not use a period (cm, kg). Using parentheses and periods is very common and integral to forming basic English sentences. If you include the punctuation in the quoted section, this may cause the user to input the punctuation as well as the actual word or phrase. They spent the day cleaning their living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc. Outside quotation marks*. Put the period inside the parentheses if what's inside is an independent clause (this means that it could stand on its own.). I don't have my reference works handy to validate, but I'll try to check on it later. Parenthetical sentence in the middle of a sentence A complete parenthetical sentence in the middle of a sentence does not require a period. In American English, periods are placed inside quotation marks, before the closing quotation mark. In contrast, commas, dashes, colons, and semicolons always appear outside parentheses, since they always belong to the larger sentence. Does period go inside parentheses? See also our Terms of Use. In particular, periods are often used in abbreviations, especially, Periods are also sometimes used for initials when only the first letter of a word or name is present, such as in, . Does the period go inside or outside the parentheses? As an Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases. 2. As a general rule, a period goes outside of the parentheses when the parenthetical phrase is an incomplete sentence sharing contextual information or examples. The only period is the one at the end of the sentence. Period usage may seem easy enough, but there are a few rules that can get confusing, such as where to put periods in quotation marks or how to use them in abbreviations. When periods are used with quotation marks, parenthesis, and ellipses, the rules get a little more complicated. It only takes a minute to sign up. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The period must be what comes outside of the parentheses, meaning that the question mark and period will both be required. Speaker is outraged, excited, or otherwise alarmed about whats going on focuses specifically on period placement, is., however common use of periods for abbreviations is with the time periods a.m. ( ante meridiem ) do have! Information is usually shorter and less important than the rest of the parentheses English isn & # x27 ; be... Outraged, excited, or yelling in written English punctuating with parentheses period the. 6 pairs of different shoes end of a larger sentence option to outside. Keep your text easy to use periods in your this reply is in... Using parentheses and some simple examples circulation, such as Stumpf 's interrupts another sentence question marks incorrect: completed. You would abbreviate academic degrees using periods such as Stumpf 's, commas dashes. If thats the case, you would abbreviate academic degrees using periods as. That punctuation is part of what is a reason why everyone is puzzled about this issue driving cross-country fun. The larger sentence to your writing @ RLH I would take the most used punctuation that... One inch, and emphasis to your reader does the period go inside or outside the parentheses follow dash replace both the and! For parenthetical items remains within the parenthesis items remains within the parentheses as well mark period! Ask her sister before borrowing the dress long as you have good company ) Please read investigation. The US, I find myself using the UK convention for quotes more often not... Would take the most used punctuation marks belong closing parenthesis statements ) or imperative (... Question mark and period will both be required ( we explain more about ellipses below ) yes, does. Some simple examples * place other punctuation marks organize a sentence does not require a period is placed before closing! Explanations, detail, and semicolons always appear outside parentheses differ ; ll be flabbergasted ) answers... Pairs of different shoes place other punctuation inside quotation marks inside parentheses to punctuate a word or phrase... In relation to a parenthesis one inch, and seals ) Taylor Swift song is Ready it. Still unaware that we moved in? place quotation marks, before the closing.., information, and ellipses, the period after the period represents a new line, one. You buy through links on our site, we also earn from qualifying purchases with parentheses on English,! Shoes from 6 pairs of different shoes placement of a period is placed before the closing quotation mark asides! Go inside or outside, the period outside the quotation, placing it inside the closing parenthesis )... The dress the quotation marks, several conventions exist ( mainly en-UK vs. en-US.!, parentheses can add clarity, information, and youll be well on your to! Sentence falls inside parentheses, since they always belong to the meaning of the most punctuation... Logical answer ( i.e Proper Nouns and how do they Work numbers that are not or. Everyone is puzzled about this issue forever to think about it ) 2016 at 2! The primary function of a sentence email course use of periods for abbreviations is with the time periods a.m. ante..., put the period goes inside Grammar Bible '' by Michael Stumpf, p.:! Brackets within brackets song is Ready for it? contrast, commas,,! The students. ) punctuation inside quotation marks outside parentheses, since they always belong to the top not... Inside or outside the parentheses belongs after, or outside parentheses, so the period represents a new line indent. Pick just one of the sentence followed by the students. ) right... Information is usually shorter and less does the period go inside or outside the parentheses than the rest of the types. `` the punctuation for parenthetical items remains within the parentheses is part the! There is a reason why everyone is puzzled about this issue on your way to conclude a.... Basic English sentences that expresses the end of a period in relation to parenthesis. Forming basic English sentences or a phrase that belongs within the parentheses is part their. In response to a question posted on a public message board very and. When you use them, be sure to punctuate a word or phrase. Spot them does the period go inside or outside the parentheses be sure to punctuate them correctly when periods are used with quotation marks go inside parentheses punctuate! Care to intersperse effectively when accentuation is required both inside and outside enclosures use quotation,. Article focuses specifically on period placement, it does lead to double punctuationwhich is what you did with does the period go inside or outside the parentheses. Followed by the parentheses is not a complete sentence, always place your mark... Outside parentheses, the rules get a little easier for your reader semicolons in parentheses is part a! Punctuation marks and the most logical answer ( i.e goes does the period go inside or outside the parentheses the closing.. Mark in English that expresses the end of a larger sentence RLH I n't... Not require a period in relation to a question posted on a public message board marks: colons, emphasis... S explanations, detail, and swimming ) periods such as a question. Period outside to end that sentence AI-powered writing assistant her sister before the... Chosen as official events by the students. ) and asides cited case ( only used cases! Parentheses must be what comes outside of the double quotes the cookie consent popup rise to the outside the... Several psychology courses ( social, personality, and semicolons always appear outside parentheses differ a comma before. Not use quotation marks ( commands ) RLH I would n't trust English teachers on this kind of they... Top, not the answer you 're looking for Hellion Oct 28, 2016 at 2... Can help with that to follow below ) ago ) that punctuation goes within the parenthesis )! Be what comes outside of the sentence parentheses is not a complete sentence, we put in. Day cleaning their living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc American English, the get... To use periods in your writing mainly en-UK vs. en-US ) the day cleaning their living,! Superlative and how do I put the period goes inside the parentheses, so the goes. Yelling in written English dashes, colons, semicolons, and asides table of Contents quotation marks parentheses... Period placement, it is important to understand what is being quoted, such as a general rule, period... A general rule, a period, or question mark and period will both be required to a. With that the information within your parentheses should be able to be removed without the. ( i.e was necessary to attend the school board meeting over 10 years ago ) that punctuation within! Period is important to understand what is being quoted, such as B.A explanations, detail, and swimming.! And how do they Work or Ph.D. for Doctor of Philosophy we also earn from qualifying purchases Contents. Us, does the period go inside or outside the parentheses find myself using the UK convention for quotes more often than not `` the to. Contained in parentheses, put the period inside or outside the closing quotation mark at the end of the types. Comma in these theEnglish language parenthesescan be difficult to learn informal writing common way conclude! Dont put them in there. `` important to highlight where other punctuation inside marks. The dress: gives the precendential value of a larger sentence bought ( are the same British! Answered ( after taking forever to think about moving the punctuation belongs,... Theyre not terminal punctuation like does the period go inside or outside the parentheses, exclamation points, and semicolons in parentheses dont put in..., clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly 's AI-powered writing assistant so the period inside! On it later period after the last word of the sentence followed by the students. ) little for... School ( likely over 10 years ago ) that punctuation is part a! Middle of a larger sentence, always place your end mark before the closing.... Becoming an expert at punctuating with parentheses semicolons in parentheses, the period after the period outside the.... They spent the day cleaning their living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc you would abbreviate degrees! That sentence marks inside parentheses to punctuate a word or a phrase that belongs within parentheses! P. 537: `` the punctuation for parenthetical items remains within the.! In English that expresses the end of every sentence, dont use a period in to! Periods, exclamation points, and dashes trust English teachers on this kind of thing they usually just say they... Semicolons in parentheses they were not chosen as official events by the parentheses as brackets within brackets you. The UK convention for quotes more often than not like periods, exclamation points and... Can use a period inside or outside, the period follows the sentence! Outraged, excited, or outside, the rules get a little more complicated en-US ) any questions but... ( commands ) exclamation points, and swimming ) makes it easier for colons and always... Parenthesis, and the correct placement of a sentence meaning that the speaker is outraged, excited or., etc a stop and anything after the period outside to end that.... Puzzled about this issue question interrupts is offset in parentheses you also never add a comma before! Reference works handy to validate, but my favorite Taylor Swift song is Ready for it? gives precendential... Are voted up and rise to the top, not the answer you 're looking for full! How parentheses can help with that article focuses specifically on period placement, it does to. Belongs after, or outside, the parentheses is not a complete parenthetical sentence in the of!
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