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Brackets
 
Brackets

In this lesson you will learn the definition of brackets and learn the types of brackets.
Brackets Definition
  • Brackets look like this:

( ) or [ ] or < > or { }

  • Brackets are used in pairs to set apart or interject text within a written text
Brackets Examples
  • Parentheses ( )
  • also called round brackets
  • used to contain parenthetical (or optional, additional) material in a sentence that could be removed without destroying the meaning of the main text
  • Example: "George Washington (the father of his country) was not the wooden figure with wooden teeth that many think him."
  • used to add supplementary information
  • Example: "Sen. Kennedy (D., Massachusetts) spoke at length."
  • may also be nested
  • Example: (with one set inside another set (but this is not commonly used in formal writing))
  • Square brackets [ ]
  • used to enclose explanatory or missing [...] material, especially in quoted text
  • Example: "I appreciate it [the honor], but I must refuse."
  • Example: "The future of psionics [See definition] is in doubt."
  • Angle brackets < >
  • used to enclose highlighted material, such as URL’s in text
  • Example: "I found it in Fun Easy English <www.funeasyenglish.com>."
  • Braces { }
  • also called curly brackets
  • used in specialized ways in poetry and music (to mark repeats or joined lines), and sometimes used in conventional text to indicate a series of equal choices
  • Example: "Select your animal {goat, sheep, cow, horse} and follow me."
 
 
 
 
Grammar Tips
Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of common mistakes. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
 
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