The Basic Rule:
* Commas should not be placed directly before a closing parenthesis.
The Reasoning:
* Clarity: The comma after the parenthesis creates an unnecessary break and can make the sentence confusing. It can imply a pause that isn't intended.
* Consistency: Generally, punctuation marks are placed *outside* of parentheses to maintain a consistent flow in the sentence.
Example:
* Incorrect: "I went to the store (for groceries), and then I came home."
* Correct: "I went to the store (for groceries), and then I came home."
Exceptions:
* Parentheticals within a list: If you have a parenthetical phrase within a list, you can use a comma *before* the closing parenthesis. This is for clarity and to separate the list items.
Example:
* "The items on the list were apples, oranges (for juice), and bananas."
The Key:
* The placement of punctuation depends on the sentence structure and where you want to create a pause.
* If you're ever unsure, it's always best to err on the side of clarity and follow the general rule of placing punctuation marks outside of parentheses.
Let me know if you have any other punctuation questions!