Does the period come before or after the parentheses? This is a common question that often arises when writing formal documents, such as essays, reports, and business letters. Understanding the correct punctuation rules for parentheses can greatly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. In this article, we will explore the proper placement of the period in relation to parentheses and provide some practical examples to help you master this punctuation rule.
The placement of the period in relation to parentheses depends on the context in which they are used. Generally, when parentheses are used to insert additional information that is not essential to the main sentence, the period should come after the parentheses. This is because the main sentence still stands on its own, and the information within the parentheses is supplementary.
For example, consider the following sentence:
She was born on January 15, 1990 (a Monday).
In this case, the period comes after the parentheses because the information about the day of the week is additional and does not alter the meaning of the main sentence.
However, if the parentheses contain a complete sentence or clause, the period should come before the parentheses. This is because the main sentence is dependent on the information within the parentheses.
For instance:
She was born on January 15, 1990. (Her parents were both teachers.)
In this example, the period comes before the parentheses because the sentence “Her parents were both teachers” is a complete thought and is essential to the main sentence.
It is also important to note that when parentheses are used to enclose a phrase or clause that is part of a longer sentence, the period should come after the parentheses. This is because the phrase or clause is integral to the main sentence.
Consider the following example:
She was born on January 15, 1990, and has always been fascinated by history (her favorite subject in school).
In this case, the period comes after the parentheses because the phrase “her favorite subject in school” is a dependent clause that provides additional information about the main subject.
In conclusion, the placement of the period in relation to parentheses is determined by the context in which they are used. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and professional. Remember to pay attention to whether the information within the parentheses is essential or supplementary to the main sentence, and adjust the placement of the period accordingly.
