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Answer taken from About.com Homework/Study Tips
Some people consider brackets to be the younger and weaker sibling of parentheses. Parentheses are used to clarify meaning or to insert supplemental information in all types of writing. Brackets are used mainly for clarification within quoted material.
Using Brackets in QuotesYou may have seen the expression [sic] used in a quote and wondered what it was all about. You can use this expression if you are quoting a piece of text that contains a typo, simply to make it clear that the typo was in the original and not your own mistake. For instance:- I agree with her assertion that "kids should read a book a weak [sic]," but I think play time is important, too.
You may also use brackets to make an editorial statement or clarification within a quote. As in:
- My grandmother always said "dream about a [friendly] dog and you'll see an old friend soon."
- "The reporter was unsuccessful in his attempt to get a statement from [former] Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld."
Another reason to use brackets in quotes is to add a word, prefix, or suffix in order to fit the quote into your sentence. In the statement below, the ing is added so the sentence will flow.
- I tried to make dish mild enough for everyone, but my idea of "add[ing] Cayenne pepper to taste" was not the same as my friend's idea.
You can also use brackets to change the tense of a phrase in a quote so it will fit into your sentence:
- In Thomas Jefferson's time there was definitely a notion that "A little rebellion now and then [was] a good thing."
- Sally was a rambunctious child, and the family was extremely worried that she would wreak havoc during the festive day (Sally kept quiet during the wedding ceremony [only because she was sleeping], much to her sister's relief). But in the end, the day was a success and a joy to remember.
What else can I help you with?
How do you use brackets?
Use brackets to group similar ideas in math and to create a parenthetical within a parenthetical in writing.
How do parentheses and brackets work in math problems?
Parentheses and brackets work the same in math as they do in writing -- use them to group ideas.
What are brackets in writing and what do you use them for?
Brackets in writing are punctuation marks [ ] that are used to enclose supplementary information within a sentence that is not essential to the main idea. They are often used to add clarifications, corrections, or explanations without disrupting the flow of the main text.
When to use brackets instead of parentheses?
Use brackets when you are creating a parenthetical within a parenthetical.
What if your scientific calculator doesn't have brackets what should one use instead?
Use a double parentheses instead. EX. (( = [
What do you use brackets for?
Usually, brackets are used to organize a league's playoff games.
What are the grammatical rules for brackets?
Use the same rules inside brackets as you would outside of brackets. There is no difference between the two.
What do you use when writing the domain of real numbers brackets or squares?
When writing a range of numbers, square brackets are used to indicate the end number is included and round brackets are used to indicate the end number is excluded.examples:[1, 4] = all numbers ≥ 1 and ≤ 4(1, 4] = all numbers > 1 and ≤ 4[1, 4) = all numbers ≥ 1 and < 4(1, 4) = all numbers > 1 and < 4
Where can one have tournament brackets printed?
There are a wide range of options for someone to print tournament brackets. One can find printable tournament brackets on sites such as 'Print Your Brackets', 'Team Rankings' or 'SB Nation'.
How do you use square brackets in a sentence?
Square brackets are used inside regular parentheses, in a sentence.
Is brackets a noun?
Yes, the word 'brackets' is both a noun (bracket, brackets) and a verb (bracket, brackets, bracketing, bracketed).Examples:The brackets holding the shelf are loose. (noun)The author brackets the words that are not a part of the direct quote. (verb)I use brackets at the end of the sentence to designate the part of speech. (noun)
What are the best types of flat brackets to use for securing wood together?
The best types of flat brackets to use for securing wood together are typically L-shaped brackets or corner braces. These brackets provide strong support and stability for joining pieces of wood.
