1. To enclose explanatory or clarifying information:
* This can include definitions, translations, or explanations of abbreviations.
* Example: The [United Kingdom] is a country located in Europe.
* Example: He was diagnosed with a [rare] form of cancer.
2. To indicate an omission within a quoted passage:
* This is used when you are quoting a passage but want to omit certain words or phrases.
* Example: "The quick brown fox [jumps over the lazy dog]" is a common sentence used to demonstrate all the letters of the alphabet.
3. To indicate an editorial correction or insertion:
* This is often used when editing a text, to show where a mistake was corrected or where a word was added.
* Example: The original sentence read, "He was a good [man]," but the editor changed it to "He was a good [person]."
4. To enclose stage directions in a play script:
* These directions are usually written in brackets to distinguish them from the dialogue.
* Example: "I'm so tired," she said [yawning].
5. To indicate a technical term or specialized vocabulary:
* This is particularly common in academic writing or technical documentation.
* Example: The [taxonomy] of this species is still being debated.
Note: It's important to use brackets sparingly. Overusing them can make your writing cluttered and confusing. If you are unsure whether to use brackets, consider whether the information is truly essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Key points to remember:
* Brackets are always used in pairs.
* The information within brackets should be grammatically correct and make sense on its own.
* Brackets are typically used for non-essential information, meaning the sentence would still make sense without them.
Alternatives to brackets:
* Parentheses ( ) are used for similar purposes but are considered less formal than brackets.
* Dashes (-) can also be used for explanations and clarifications, but they are more informal than brackets.
* Commas (,) can sometimes be used to set off explanatory information, but they are not always appropriate.
Choose the best punctuation based on the context and your desired level of formality.