Punctuation—Parentheses ( ) & Brackets [ ]

Parentheses are used to:

• add information

Brackets are used:

• as parentheses inside parentheses

• to add information in a direct quote

Only capitalize the first word inside the parentheses or brackets when it begins a new, complete sentence or an independent clause.

Parentheses to add in formation

Brackets inside parentheses or quotes to add information