1. Parentheses used for a sentence:
* If the parentheses contain a complete sentence, capitalize the first word inside the parentheses.
* Example: "The meeting was (It was a long one!) productive."
2. Parentheses used for a phrase or clause:
* If the parentheses contain a phrase or clause that is *not* a complete sentence, the first word inside the parentheses is not capitalized.
* Example: "The meeting was (productive, but lengthy) overall."
3. Parentheses used for clarification:
* If the parentheses are used to clarify something, capitalization follows the standard rules for the type of text within the parentheses.
* Example: "The meeting was held at (the main conference room)."
4. Parentheses used for a list:
* If the parentheses contain a list, follow the standard rules for capitalization within lists.
* Example: "The meeting discussed three topics: (1) budget, (2) marketing, and (3) sales."
In short:
* Capitalize if the parentheses contain a complete sentence.
* Don't capitalize if the parentheses contain a phrase or clause that isn't a complete sentence.
Let me know if you have more specific examples, and I can help you figure out the correct capitalization!