Using Parentheses to Include De-emphasized Information

Information placed within parentheses in a sentence is interesting, but not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. Information in parentheses may clarify a point, make a commentary, or provide an afterthought, but is not information that needs to be emphasized. Dashes are best used to set off information that is not crucial, but emphasized.
Examples: Please deliver the packages to the back door (the one painted blue) between the hours of 10:00 and 2:00.
The most popular flavor of ice cream is vanilla (second is chocolate).
The new remote control car offers more features than any other (batteries are not included).
Using Parentheses to Include De-emphasized Information





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Choosing a Comma, Dash, or Parentheses
Choosing a Comma, Dash, or Parentheses