Do you put a period before or after a parenthesis? This is a common question that often arises in the realm of grammar and punctuation. The answer to this query may vary depending on the context and the style guide being followed. Understanding the correct usage of periods in relation to parentheses is essential for maintaining clear and effective communication.
In general, when a sentence is enclosed within parentheses, the period should be placed inside the parentheses. This is because the parentheses are considered part of the sentence. For example, consider the following sentence:
John (who is my friend) is going to the movies tonight.
In this case, the period is placed inside the parentheses because the phrase “who is my friend” is a dependent clause that provides additional information about John. The sentence would be incorrect if the period were placed outside the parentheses:
John (who is my friend). He is going to the movies tonight.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the parentheses enclose a complete sentence or an independent clause, the period should be placed outside the parentheses. For instance:
She was late for the meeting. (She had to deal with traffic.)
In this example, the parentheses enclose a complete sentence, so the period is placed outside the parentheses.
It is also important to note that when parentheses are used to provide additional information or a clarification, the period should remain inside the parentheses. For example:
My favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird” (which I read in high school).
In this case, the parentheses enclose a phrase that explains the context of the statement, so the period is placed inside the parentheses.
In conclusion, the placement of a period in relation to parentheses depends on the context of the sentence. If the parentheses enclose a dependent clause or additional information, the period should be placed inside the parentheses. However, if the parentheses enclose a complete sentence or independent clause, the period should be placed outside the parentheses. By understanding these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
