Does a period go before or after parentheses? This is a common question that often arises in the realm of grammar and writing. Understanding the correct placement of punctuation marks, particularly the period, is crucial for maintaining clarity and professionalism in written communication.
The placement of a period before or after parentheses can vary depending on the context and the rules of punctuation. In general, when a period is used to end a sentence, it should be placed inside the parentheses. This is because the sentence is contained within the parentheses and does not end until the parentheses are closed. For example:
She was born on March 14, 1990 (a Friday). She is currently a student at XYZ University.
In this case, the period follows the parentheses because the sentence is complete and the parentheses contain additional information that is not essential to the main point of the sentence.
On the other hand, when a period is not used to end a sentence, it should be placed outside the parentheses. This is because the sentence continues beyond the parentheses, and the period is used to indicate the end of the main clause. For example:
Her favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Harper Lee, 1960).
In this example, the period is placed before the parentheses because the sentence continues after the parentheses, and the information within the parentheses is additional and non-essential.
It is important to note that when parentheses are used to enclose a complete sentence, the period should be placed inside the parentheses. For instance:
He asked, “Where are you going?” (I am going to the store).
In this case, the period is inside the parentheses because the sentence within the parentheses is a complete sentence in itself.
In conclusion, the placement of a period before or after parentheses depends on the context and the purpose of the parentheses. By following these general rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
