1. Insert Your Own Words or Clarification:
* To provide context or explanation: "The book was [very] well-written."
* To correct a grammatical error: "He said, 'I'm [I am] going to the store.'"
* To add a missing word or phrase: "The [new] car was shiny and red."
2. To Indicate a Change in the Original Text:
* To indicate an omission: "He said, 'I love [her] dearly.'"
* To replace a word or phrase with something more appropriate: "She said, 'I can't believe [that] happened!'"
* To provide a phonetic pronunciation: "[Kuh-ree-uh] is a difficult word to spell."
3. To Highlight a Specific Part of a Quote:
* To emphasize a key point: "He said, 'I am [very] interested in this project.'"
Important Notes:
* Square brackets [ ] are always used within quotation marks.
* Brackets are used sparingly. Only use them when necessary to avoid altering the original meaning of the quote.
* If you're unsure about using brackets, it's best to consult a style guide or ask a trusted editor.
Here are some examples:
* "The [new] movie was released last week." (Adding a missing word)
* "He said, 'I'm [I am] going to the store.'" (Correcting a grammatical error)
* "[...]" (Indicating an omission)
* "He said, 'I am [very] interested in this project.'" (Highlighting a specific part)
By following these guidelines, you can use brackets effectively to clarify and improve your writing.