Parenthesis vs. Parentheses – Which is Correct?
The terms parentheses and parenthesis are often confused, but they serve different grammatical purposes. Understanding how to use them correctly can enhance your writing clarity and effectiveness.
Parentheses vs. Parenthesis – Which is Correct?
Both parentheses and parenthesis are correct, but they refer to different things. Parenthesis is singular, referring to a single curved punctuation mark, while parentheses is plural, referring to a pair of these marks. They are used to enclose additional information or remarks that are not essential to the main point of a sentence.
| Word | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Parenthesis | When referring to a single mark | The word (example) is located within a parenthesis. |
| Parentheses | When referring to a pair of these marks | The phrase (for example) is enclosed in parentheses. |
Exceptions in Usage
One notable exception includes the use of parentheses in mathematical contexts where they can denote a specific order of operations, which may be less conventional in the grammatical sense.
Practice Exercises
- 1. Identify whether the sentence uses parentheses or parenthesis: “The award (which was unexpected) was given last night.”
- 2. Choose the correct form: “The book had (a few) parenthesis/parentheses errors.”
Answer Key
- Parentheses
- Parentheses
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between parenthesis and parentheses is essential for clear writing. Use them accurately to enhance the readability of your text.
