Parenthetical Expressions
| Learning Objective: - Use correct punctuation of parenthetical expressions in sentences.
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LESSON
Parenthetical expressionsWords, phrases, or clauses that add information that is not needed to provide the basic meaning of a sentence. Think of them as interrupters, asides, and add-ons to a sentence. Parenthetical expressions fall into four major categories: direct address, conjunctive adverbs, contrasting expressions, and common expressions. are words, phrasesA set of words that express an idea. A phrase may or may not form a complete sentence., or clausesA group of words in a sentence that contains a subject and a predicate. that writers use to add extra information to a sentenceA group of words, phrases, or clauses that expresses a complete thought. A complete sentence has these characteristics: a capitalized first word, a subject and a predicate, and end punctuation, such as a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).. Parenthetical expressions are also referred to as nonessentialExtra information in a sentence that is not needed to express its basic meaning. since they are not needed to understand the basic meaning of a sentence. Think of them as interrupters, asides, and add-ons to a sentence. This lesson will introduce you to the major types of parenthetical expressions and how to punctuate them correctly.
Major Types of Parenthetical Expressions
Parenthetical expressions fall into four major categories: direct address, conjunctive adverbs, contrasting expressions, and common expressions.
1. Direct address
The first type of parenthetical expression is direct addressA parenthetical expression that occurs when a person is addressed by name in a sentence, because proper names are always set apart by commas. Examples: Brad, please answer the phone. Excuse me, Mr. Morales, can I ask you a question? and includes the names of people being addressed.
Examples:
- Sarah, can you close the door?
- Can you close the door, Sarah?
2. Conjunctive adverbs
The next type of parenthetical expression is made up of conjunctive adverbsA type of parenthetical expression; adverbs that join ideas together. Examples: also, first, however, next.. Conjunctive adverbs are words that are used to connect ideas. They include, but are not limited to, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, however, in addition, in fact, instead, moreover, nevertheless, next, now, on the other hand, still, and thus.
Examples:
- The women, however, ate a bit later.
- Nevertheless, the men still ate at exactly five o'clock.
3. Contrasting expressions
Contrasting expressionsContrasting expressions are parenthetical expressions that tell the reader that you are referring to one thing and not another. Example: Funnel cake, not cotton candy, is my favorite food at the fair. are parenthetical expressions that tell the reader that you are referring to one thing and not another.
Examples:
- The women, not the men, ate at the French patisserie.
- The baguettes, not the croissants, were the best sellers of the day.
4. Common expressions
In addition to the three types of parenthetical expressions listed above, there are a number of common expressionsA common word or phrase that is set apart from the rest of a sentence by commas, parentheses, or dashes and that does not contain essential information. Like all parenthetical expressions, common expressions can be removed without changing the meaning of sentences. Yeah, I guess, I think, you know, and of course are all examples of common expressions. Example: You know, I'd rather see a movie instead of going to the party. like I think and of course.
Examples:
- Of course, the women ate at the French patisserie
- The baguettes, I think, were the best sellers of the day.
Notice that you could remove the parenthetical expressions in the sentences above and the basic meanings would not change.
Punctuating Parenthetical Expressions
All parenthetical expressions need to be set off or encased by commas(,) A punctuation mark used to group and separate information in sentences.. The only difference is where the parenthetical expression is located in the sentence.
Beginning: If it is located at the beginning of the sentence, place a comma after the parenthetical.
Example:
- Of course, it is always necessary to proofread your essays.
Middle: If the parenthetical appears in the middle of the sentence, place a comma both before and after it.
Example:
- It is, of course, always necessary to proofread your essays.
End: When the parenthetical appears at the end of the sentence, place a comma before the parenthetical and the appropriate end punctuation after the expression.
Example:
- It is always necessary to proofread your essays, of course.
+ PRACTICAL APPLICATIONAdding parenthetical expressions into your writing gives them nuanceSubtle differences in meaning and style of expression. and voice. Think of the difference between a black-and-white and a color movie. A black-and-white movie has all of the information needed to understand and enjoy a movie, but the color version adds a new dimension. Parenthetical expressions serve the same function. The punctuation makes it clear to the reader that the information is nonessential, but it is helpful or interesting. It helps the reader understand which ideas are key and which are secondary.
Review the paragraph below from a course summary. The sentences have been numbered for reference. Notice how the parenthetical expressions are identified and punctuated correctly below.
(1) This handout serves as your introduction to Designing Web Pages. (2) This course is intended for students with some computer experience not beginners who would like to expand their skills to webpage design and publishing. (3) Students please do not register for this course unless you have completed Computer Literacy Basics or can otherwise demonstrate proficiency with a Mac or PC. (4) Though the writing load is not heavy, there will be weekly exercises and assignments. (5) In addition there will be a final project of your own design. (6) Your final grade for the class therefore is based on both in-class and independent work. (7) Incompletes of course will not be given except in the case of personal emergency. (8) Please contact me not my teaching assistant if you have questions about this course or my policies. (9) The requirements I believe are similar to those of other courses designed for advanced students.
(2) The phrase not beginners is a contrasting expression.
Correction: This course is intended for students with some computer experience, not beginners, who would like to expand their skills to webpage design and publishing.
(3) The word Students is a direct address.
Correction: Students, please do not register for this course unless you have completed Computer Literacy Basics or can otherwise demonstrate proficiency with a Mac or PC.
(5) The phrase In addition is a conjunctive adverb.
Correction: In addition, there will be a final project of your own design.
(6) The word therefore is a conjunctive adverb.
Correction: Your final grade for the class, therefore, is based on both in-class and independent work.
(7) The phrase of course is a common expression.
Correction: Incompletes, of course, will not be given except in the case of personal emergency.
(8) The phrase not my teaching assistant is a contrasting expression.
Correction: Please contact me, not my teaching assistant, if you have questions about this course or my policies.
(9) The phrase I believe is a common expression.
Correction: The requirements, I believe, are similar to those of other courses designed for advanced students.
Read the paragraph below from an introduction to a debate. The sentences have been numbered for reference. Identify each incorrectly punctuated parenthetical expression by first indicating the number of each sentence with an error, identifying the type of parenthetical expression found, and then correcting each sentence by punctuating them correctly.
(1) Good evening ladies and gentlemen. (2) Welcome to the first not only debate between our class president candidates. (3) I want to begin with some ground rules. (4) Our time is limited. (5) Therefore each candidate has just two minutes to respond to questions. (6) There is of course time after a candidate's response for rebuttals. (7) The moderator not the candidates will determine when it is time to move on to the next question. (8) We understand that listeners will be enthusiastic about their candidate's answers. (9) Still the audience is asked to hold its applause until the end of the debate. (10) Candidates are you ready? (11) Let's begin.
Error 1
(1) The phrase ladies and gentlemen is a direct address.
Correction: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Error 2
(2) The phrase not only is a contrasting expression.
Correction: Welcome to the first, not only, debate between our class president candidates.
Error 3
(5) The word Therefore is a conjunctive adverb.
Correction: Therefore, each candidate has just two minutes to respond to questions.
Error 4
(6) The phrase of course is a common expression.
Correction: There is, of course, time after a candidate's response for rebuttals.
Error 5
(7) The phrase not the candidates is a contrasting expression.
Correction: The moderator, not the candidates, will determine when it is time to move on to the next question.
Error 6
(9) The word Still is a conjunctive adverb.
Correction: Still, the audience is asked to hold its applause until the end of the debate.
Error 7
(10) The word Candidates is a direct address.
Correction: Candidates, are you ready?
Which parenthetical expression do you use most in your writing? Why?
I use a lot of contrasting expressions, like "not," in my writing. I think I do it to give the reader more information without overwhelming them with detail. Examples and non-examples help the reader's understanding.
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