Parentheses for Supplementary Information (B2)

Which sentence correctly uses parentheses for supplementary information?

The treaty (signed in 1919) reshaped the map of Europe.The treaty, (signed in 1919), reshaped the map of Europe.The (treaty was signed in 1919) and reshaped Europe.The treaty was signed (in 1919 and reshaped) Europe.

Correct answer: The treaty (signed in 1919) reshaped the map of Europe.

A writer wants the reader to notice the scheduling detail as something important. Which version achieves this best?

The meeting (originally scheduled for Tuesday) has been postponed.The meeting—originally scheduled for Tuesday—has been postponed.The meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.The meeting: originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.

Correct answer: The meeting—originally scheduled for Tuesday—has been postponed.

Which sentence has INCORRECT punctuation around its parenthetical?

She studied every night, (which her teacher admired), and passed with distinction.She studied every night (which her teacher admired) and passed with distinction.She studied every night—which her teacher admired—and passed with distinction.She studied every night, which her teacher admired, and passed with distinction.

Correct answer: She studied every night, (which her teacher admired), and passed with distinction.

Where does the period go in: "The lab closed for three weeks (the equipment needed servicing)"?

Inside the parenthesis: "...servicing.)"Before the opening parenthesis: "...weeks. (the equipment needed servicing)"After the closing parenthesis: "...servicing)."No period is needed; the parenthetical replaces it.

Correct answer: After the closing parenthesis: "...servicing)."

When is it better to use commas around extra information rather than parentheses?

When the extra information is only loosely related to the sentence.When the extra information is closely integrated and part of the natural flow.When writing informal social media posts or casual emails.When the extra information contains a number or statistic.

Correct answer: When the extra information is closely integrated and part of the natural flow.

Which of these is a correct and natural use of parentheses in formal writing?

The company's revenue (grew by 12 per cent) in Q3.She submitted the application (and was immediately offered the job.)Researchers (have found) that sleep affects memory.The audit revealed several irregularities (see Appendix B for details).

Correct answer: The audit revealed several irregularities (see Appendix B for details).

Which sentence uses parentheses to de-emphasise information that would be better highlighted with em-dashes?

The merger (announced last Thursday) was largely expected.The survey results (published in the annex) confirm the trend.The company lost over half its workforce (its largest single-day layoff in history).Please confirm your attendance (email or phone).

Correct answer: The company lost over half its workforce (its largest single-day layoff in history).

A student writes: "The report (which was submitted late, and which contained several errors,) was rejected." What is the punctuation error?

A comma is placed before the closing parenthesis, where it does not belong.Two "which" clauses cannot appear inside a single pair of parentheses."Submitted late" and "several errors" must be placed in separate parentheticals.There is no error; the sentence is correctly punctuated.

Correct answer: A comma is placed before the closing parenthesis, where it does not belong.

Which sentence correctly introduces an abbreviation using parentheses?

The (WHO) stated that the vaccine is safe.The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the vaccine is safe.The World Health Organization, (WHO), stated that the vaccine is safe.The World Health Organization stated that the vaccine (WHO) is safe.

Correct answer: The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the vaccine is safe.

Which version correctly places a parenthetical aside about "her first visit to Asia" into the sentence "She landed in Tokyo and was immediately struck by the scale of the city"?

She landed in Tokyo (and was immediately struck by the scale of the city).She landed (her first visit to Asia) in Tokyo and was immediately struck.She (her first visit to Asia) landed in Tokyo and was immediately struck.She landed in Tokyo (her first visit to Asia) and was immediately struck by the scale.

Correct answer: She landed in Tokyo (her first visit to Asia) and was immediately struck by the scale.

Which statement about parentheses in academic writing is CORRECT?

Parentheses are informal and should be avoided in all academic texts.Parentheses must always be replaced by footnotes in scholarly work.Parentheses are acceptable for in-text citations and brief clarifications.Only one pair of parentheses is allowed per paragraph.

Correct answer: Parentheses are acceptable for in-text citations and brief clarifications.

The sentence reads: "The author (John Miller, head of research, who joined the company in 2019) argues that costs must be cut." What would most improve clarity?

Reduce the parenthetical to the essential identifier and move the rest elsewhere.Replace parentheses with em-dashes to emphasise Miller's credentials.Replace the parentheses with commas and keep all the information in the sentence.Nothing — a long parenthetical is always acceptable in academic writing.

Correct answer: Reduce the parenthetical to the essential identifier and move the rest elsewhere.

Which sentence uses parentheses for information that is actually ESSENTIAL to the meaning?

The committee approved the budget (subject to final review).The surgeon (who performed the operation) saved the patient's life.Her latest paper (2024) has been widely cited.Contact the helpdesk (extension 4412) for technical support.

Correct answer: The surgeon (who performed the operation) saved the patient's life.

When should a parenthetical be a complete sentence of its own, placed after the main sentence?

When it refers to a figure, table, or appendix: "see Fig. 3."When it introduces an abbreviation: "(WHO)"When it gives a date or number: "(2019)"When the aside is a full independent thought too substantial to insert mid-sentence.

Correct answer: When the aside is a full independent thought too substantial to insert mid-sentence.

Original: "The film grossed $200 million worldwide, which surprised analysts, since reviews were poor, and it had a limited budget." Which revised version most improves clarity?

The film grossed $200 million worldwide (which surprised analysts), since reviews were poor (and the marketing budget was limited).The film grossed $200 million worldwide—which surprised analysts—since reviews were poor and the marketing budget was limited.The film grossed $200 million worldwide (reviews were poor and the marketing budget was limited), which surprised analysts.The film grossed $200 million worldwide, (which surprised analysts,) since reviews were poor.

Correct answer: The film grossed $200 million worldwide (reviews were poor and the marketing budget was limited), which surprised analysts.