1. Defining a Term:
* "The tsunami (a giant wave caused by an earthquake) devastated the coastline."
* "The biopsy (a sample of tissue taken for examination) revealed the presence of cancer."
2. Providing an Alternative Word or Phrase:
* "She was a prolific (highly productive) writer, publishing several books a year."
* "The culprit (the person responsible for the crime) was caught on camera."
3. Clarifying a Meaning:
* "He had a quirky (peculiar, eccentric) sense of humor."
* "The de facto (in reality) leader of the country was the prime minister."
4. Adding Information or Details:
* "The temperature (which was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) made it impossible to go outside."
* "The conference (held in London) was a major success."
5. Using Parentheses to Emphasize:
* "The (very) important point is that we need to act now."
* "He was (clearly)* in charge of the situation."
Important Note:
Parentheses are a versatile tool for adding information and clarification, but it's essential to use them sparingly. Overusing parentheses can make your writing cluttered and difficult to read.