[Grammar] RE: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

[monsterjazzlicks]

RE: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

Hi folks,

Here is something I have seen written multiple different ways!

It is where you have a paragraph dedicated to a sentence which is placed in parentheses. Such a scenario often occurs on forums and in method books.

For example, a text may read:

... then select the appropriate parameter within the settings page. Next, click the download button.

(see screenshot for further information.)

Finally, close the application.​

​

And as I say, this does appear in fictional writing also; and so the following questions still apply, please. Should the period be placed inside or outside of the parentheses?; or should there be no period whatsoever? secondly, should the first letter of the opening word [ie. "see"] be upper or lower-case?

Many thanks in advance for any kind assistance offered here.

Best,

Paul

 

[monsterjazzlicks]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

Hi,

I hope it's OK to bump my post. It would be really great to receive some assistance here, please.

Many thanks,

Paul

 

[Rover_KE]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

Choose either of these two alternatives:

1. Next, click the download button (see screenshot for further information).

2. Next, click the download button. (See screenshot for further information.)

 

[Raymott]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

Yes, if the rest of the instructions are in full sentences, there is no reason for this one not to be. That means capitalising 'See'.
If the whole sentence occurs within parenthesis, put the period within the parentheses too. On the other hand, if the parenthesis occurs in only the latter part of the sentence, put the closing period at the end of the sentence (after the closing parenthesis).

Crossed with Rover, with whom I concur.

 

[monsterjazzlicks]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

Thanks guys,

That's very helpful.

And similarly if the parentheses formed it's own exclusive paragraph, then the clause would start with a capital-letter, and the period would fall inside the parentheses. So basically, exactly the same rules are applied whether or not the sentence has parentheses or not - it is treated like a regular sentence.

For instance:

That will be all for today and thanks for your undivided attention.

Make sure you turn off the oven afterwards.

Goodbye.



That will be all for today and thanks for your undivided attention.

(Make sure you turn off the oven afterwards.)

Goodbye.​

Paul

 

[Lynxear]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

I don't think your second example is proper. When something is in parenthesis in a paragraph, it is something that is like an aside. It does not flow properly in the paragraph but the author thinks it is important to include it here (I think I am correct here).

See how I used it in the above. It was like I am revealing inner thoughts to the reader.

The overall meaning of your example is that you are signing off. You are thanking your audience and reminding them to do something to do when they leave. So the parenthesis is not necessary, though not entirely wrong either for that matter. It is just something I would not do.

 

[monsterjazzlicks]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

I don't think your second example is proper. When something is in parenthesis in a paragraph, it is something that is like an aside. It does not flow properly in the paragraph but the author thinks it is important to include it here (I think I am correct here).

See how I used it in the above. It was like I am revealing inner thoughts to the reader.

The overall meaning of your example is that you are signing off. You are thanking your audience and reminding them to do something to do when they leave. So the parenthesis is not necessary, though not entirely wrong either for that matter. It is just something I would not do.

Thanks Lynxear,

Yes , I do follow you and I think your own example is quite correct.

To be honest, my two short examples/comparisons were - if you kindly will - more of a means to an end. By this I mean it was more about the 'layout' (ie. to show a parentheses/clause having its own dedicated paragraph in between of two texts). It comprised of dialogue of which I quickly threw together purely for the sake of showing two contrasting uses of how a parentheses sentence may be presented. Admittedly, it may not be the most grammatically perfect example!

But as I say, I do agree with you and my question would still be which of the two above do you prefer, please - assuming the grammar was correct!

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Lynxear]

Re: Text Within Parentheses (Question?)

In these examples I see no need for the parentheses. So I would favour the first example.