parenthesis
C1Formal, academic, technical (linguistics, publishing, mathematics)
Definition
Meaning
A word, phrase, or sentence inserted into a passage as an explanation, comment, or afterthought; the punctuation marks ( ) used to separate such an insertion.
In a broader figurative sense, a parenthesis is any digression from the main topic or narrative flow; something that interrupts the primary sequence of events or ideas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in formal writing contexts. While it refers to the punctuation marks themselves (plural: parentheses), it is also used as a singular noun for the inserted remark enclosed by them. The phrase "in parenthesis" means as a digression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic difference. British English slightly more likely to use the plural 'parentheses' for the marks and 'brackets' colloquially. American English firmly uses 'parentheses' for ( ) and 'brackets' for [ ].
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, associated with precision in writing, academia, and logic.
Frequency
Higher frequency in academic and technical writing in both varieties. Slightly higher in American English due to style guides (e.g., APA, Chicago) emphasizing their use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to add sth in parenthesisto put sth inside/within parenthesesa parenthesis about/concerning sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in parenthesis (as a digression)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal reports or proposals for clarifications (e.g., 'The projected costs (see Appendix B) are conservative.').
Academic
Common in referencing, clarifying terms, adding citations, or making qualifying remarks within sentences.
Everyday
Very low. Primarily used when talking about writing or typing.
Technical
High in linguistics, computer programming (syntax), mathematics (order of operations), and legal writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- One should always parenthesise citations in this style of writing.
- The author parenthesised a witty remark.
American English
- Be sure to parenthesize the author's name and date.
- He parenthesized a crucial clarification.
adverb
British English
- He added, parenthetically, that the data was preliminary.
- She noted parenthetically that the source was unreliable.
American English
- The speaker mentioned, parenthetically, a related study.
- It was, parenthetically, the first time they had met.
adjective
British English
- The parenthetical remark clarified the entire argument.
- She added a parenthetical clause for the experts.
American English
- His parenthetical statement was, in fact, the most important point.
- Parenthetical information can sometimes be moved to a footnote.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My teacher told me to put the date in parentheses.
- What does the word inside the parenthesis mean?
- The writer often uses long parentheses to add historical context.
- Remember to close the parenthesis after the citation.
- The entire third chapter is, in a sense, a lengthy parenthesis exploring the philosophical underpinnings of the theory.
- His argument proceeded unimpeded, save for a brief but illuminating parenthesis on Kantian ethics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine PARENTS (para-) putting a baby THE SIS (thesis/statement) inside a protective set of curved arms ( ). The parents are enclosing the statement.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARENTHESIS IS A CONTAINER (for extra information). / PARENTHESIS IS AN INTERRUPTION (in the flow of speech/text).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'параграф' (paragraph). The direct translation 'скобка' is correct for the symbols, but the concept of a digressive remark lacks a single direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'parenthesis' to refer to square brackets [ ].
- Incorrect plural: 'parenthesises' instead of 'parentheses'.
- Mispronouncing the stress: /ˈpær.ən.θə.sɪs/ instead of /pəˈren.θə.sɪs/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct plural form?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's 'a parenthesis' for the singular (one inserted remark or one symbol, though this is rare) and 'parentheses' for the plural (almost always used for the pair of round brackets). You 'open a parenthesis' and 'close a parenthesis', but you 'put something in parentheses'.
In American English: Parentheses are ( ), brackets (or square brackets) are [ ], and braces (or curly brackets) are { }. In British English, 'brackets' can colloquially mean ( ), with 'square brackets' for [ ].
Yes. It can describe any interruption or digression from a main theme, not just in writing. E.g., 'The war was a tragic parenthesis in the nation's history.'
/pəˈren.θə.siːz/ (puh-REN-thuh-seez). The stress remains on the second syllable, and the final '-sis' becomes '-seez'.