Complete sentence in parentheses
When including a complete sentence in parentheses, what are the rules? For example, someone just sent me this in an email:
“I always change some of the readings from semester to semester (for example, I am trying out the book on migration for the first time this semester and am not sure if I will keep it in the Fall).”
But I could just as easily see it written this way:
“I always change some of the readings from semester to semester. (For example, I am trying out the book on migration for the first time this semester and am not sure if I will keep it in the Fall.)”
Are both acceptable? Is one preferred?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Brackets_and_parentheses
jayles the unwoven Apr-05-2016
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"A sentence that occurs within brackets in the course of another sentence does not generally have its first word capitalized just because it starts a sentence. The enclosed sentence may have a question mark or exclamation mark added, but not a period."
Eg
Alexander then conquered (who would have believed it?) most of the known world.
Parentheses are somewhat "jarring to the reader and best avoided where feasible" - as per West Michigan University
I would remove the parentheses from your alternative stand-alone sentence
jayles the unwoven Apr-05-2016
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Complete sentence in parentheses
Parentheses (constantly utilized as a part of sets) allow a writer to provide additional information. The parenthetical material may be a solitary word, a part, or various complete sentences.
Whatever the material inside the brackets, it must not be syntactically fundamental to the encompassing sentence. If it is, the sentence must be recast. This is a simple mix-up to keep away from. Just read your sentence without the parenthetical content. If it makes sense, the the enclosures are satisfactory; if it doesn’t, the punctuation must be altered.
http://wordmaker.info/ending-with/fe.html
wordy smith May-19-2016
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"Great question! Navigating the rules for complete sentences inside parentheses is a strategic part of clear communication—much like the precision needed to land a perfect catch in a top-tier ice fishing game in the UK.
In your example, since the parenthetical sentence is tucked inside another sentence, you should not capitalize the first word or use a final period inside the brackets. The main sentence's period goes outside. However, if the parentheses were a standalone comment after the main sentence, you would capitalize the first letter and put the period inside the closing parenthesis. Your friend’s email follows the first rule perfectly! It’s all about where that 'lure' of information is placed in your text!"
SilasMonroe Jan-23-2026
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"Great question! Navigating the rules for complete sentences inside parentheses is a strategic part of clear communication—much like the precision needed to land a perfect catch in a top-tier ice fishing game in the UK.
In your example, since the parenthetical sentence is tucked inside another sentence, you should not capitalize the first word or use a final period inside the brackets. The main sentence's period goes outside. However, if the parentheses were a standalone comment after the main sentence, you would capitalize the first letter and put the period inside the closing parenthesis. Your friend’s email follows the first rule perfectly! It’s all about where that 'lure' of information is placed in your text!"
https://wmascareers.uk/
SilasMonroe Jan-23-2026
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