When to Use Parentheses: Complete Grammar Guide with 100+ Examples [2025]

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Use parentheses to add supplementary information that clarifies your main text without disrupting its flow. Parentheses are ideal for including explanations, acronyms, examples, dates, citations, and numbered lists. The golden rule: if you remove the text inside parentheses, your sentence should still make complete grammatical sense. In professional writing like cover letters and business emails, use parentheses sparingly—too many can make your writing appear cluttered or suggest that you're burying important information. When punctuating, place periods outside the closing parenthesis unless the entire sentence is enclosed in parentheses.

Whether you're crafting a professional cover letter, academic paper, or business email, mastering parentheses will help you communicate more clearly and professionally. This comprehensive guide covers every use case, common mistakes, and expert tips for using parentheses correctly in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Primary purpose: Parentheses enclose supplementary or explanatory information that is not essential to the main sentence but provides useful context or clarification.

• The golden rule: Your sentence must remain grammatically correct and meaningful if you remove everything inside the parentheses—this is the fundamental test for proper usage.

• Common uses: Introducing acronyms (NASA), adding dates (1969), providing examples (e.g., apples), numbered lists within sentences, and including citations in academic writing.

• Punctuation placement: Periods and commas go outside the closing parenthesis unless the entire sentence is contained within the parentheses—one of the most frequently confused rules.

• Professional writing tip: Use parentheses sparingly in cover letters and business emails, as overuse can make your writing appear informal or suggest you're hiding important information.

Introduction: The Hidden Power of Parentheses

Parentheses are among the most versatile yet frequently misused punctuation marks in the English language. According to a study by Grammarly, punctuation errors account for nearly 20% of all grammatical mistakes in professional writing, with parentheses-related errors appearing in approximately 8% of business documents.

Whether you're writing a cover letter for a job application, an academic research paper, or a professional email, knowing when and how to use parentheses correctly can significantly impact how your writing is perceived. Misplaced or overused parentheses can make your prose seem cluttered, unprofessional, or difficult to follow.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about parentheses—from basic rules to advanced applications across different writing contexts. We'll explore the differences between parentheses, brackets, and dashes, examine punctuation rules that confuse even experienced writers, and provide practical examples for professional, academic, and creative writing. By the end, you'll have complete confidence in using parentheses correctly in any situation.

What Are Parentheses? Understanding the Basics

Parentheses (also called round brackets) are curved punctuation marks used in pairs to set off supplementary or explanatory information within a sentence. The word 'parenthesis' comes from the Greek 'parentithenai,' meaning 'to put beside'—aptly describing their function of placing additional information alongside your main text.

The Fundamental Rule of Parentheses

The most important principle to remember is this: parenthetical information should never be essential to your sentence's grammatical structure or core meaning. If you can remove the content within parentheses and your sentence still makes complete sense grammatically and logically, you've used them correctly.

Correct example: The company was founded in San Francisco (California) in 2010.

Without parentheses: The company was founded in San Francisco in 2010. ✓ (Still makes sense)

Incorrect example: The applicant (who has five years of experience) is our top candidate.

While grammatically acceptable, this placement suggests the experience is merely supplementary when it's likely crucial information. Better to write: 'The applicant, who has five years of experience, is our top candidate.'

Parentheses vs. Other Punctuation

Understanding when to use parentheses versus commas, dashes, or brackets is essential for clear writing. Each serves a distinct purpose, and choosing the right one affects your tone and clarity. When writing a professional email or formal document, this choice becomes especially important.

When to Use Parentheses: 10 Essential Use Cases

Understanding the specific situations that call for parentheses will help you use them with confidence. Here are the ten most common and accepted uses of parentheses in modern English writing.

1. Adding Supplementary Information

The most common use of parentheses is to add extra information that clarifies or expands on your main point without interrupting the flow of your sentence.

• The Eiffel Tower (completed in 1889) remains Paris's most recognizable landmark.

• Our CEO, Sarah Johnson (formerly of Microsoft), will lead the presentation.

• The candidate submitted a comprehensive cover letter (see attached) with her application.

2. Introducing Acronyms and Abbreviations

When using an acronym or abbreviation for the first time, write out the full term and place the shortened version in parentheses. After this initial introduction, you can use the acronym alone throughout the rest of your document.

• The Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies improved our website traffic significantly.

• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes before human recruiters see them.

• The Human Resources (HR) department will conduct the final interviews.

This technique is particularly important in ATS-friendly cover letters where you want to include industry-specific terminology while remaining accessible to all readers.

3. Providing Examples

Parentheses are excellent for providing examples that illustrate your point without disrupting sentence flow. The abbreviations 'e.g.' (for example) and 'i.e.' (that is) are commonly used within parentheses.

• Soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership) are highly valued by employers.

• Major tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple) have their headquarters in the U.S.

• The position requires proficiency in programming languages (Python, JavaScript, or Java).

4. Including Dates and Time Information

Parentheses effectively contain dates, time zones, or temporal information that adds context to your main statement.

• The interview will be held on Monday (March 15) at the main office.

• Please join the conference call at 3:00 p.m. (EST).

• William Shakespeare (1564–1616) wrote 37 plays during his lifetime.

5. Clarifying Preceding Words

Use parentheses to clarify or define a term that might be unfamiliar to some readers, or to provide alternative names for concepts.

• The hydrologic cycle (also known as the water cycle) describes water's continuous movement.

• Your cover letter salutation (greeting) sets the tone for the entire document.

• The basal metabolic rate (BMR) measures calories burned at rest.

This is particularly helpful when writing about technical subjects or when your audience may have varying levels of familiarity with your topic. When crafting a cover letter for a specific industry, you might use this technique to ensure clarity.

6. Numbered or Lettered Lists Within Sentences

When listing items within a sentence, parentheses around numbers or letters provide clear organization without disrupting flow.

• Please submit the following: (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, (3) three references, and (4) a writing sample.

• The project requires (a) initial research, (b) prototype development, and (c) user testing.

• Candidates will be evaluated on (1) technical skills, (2) communication ability, and (3) cultural fit.

This format is especially useful in professional cover letters when listing qualifications or in formal business letters when outlining action items.

7. Citations and References

In academic and professional writing, parentheses contain citations that credit sources without interrupting your narrative.

• Studies show that personalized cover letters receive 50% more positive responses (Smith, 2023).

• The unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

• According to research (Johnson & Williams, 2024), hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing each resume.

8. Indicating Optional or Variable Elements

Parentheses can show that a word or phrase may or may not apply, or that something is optional.

• Please keep your shoe(s) by the door. (Could be one shoe or multiple)

• The applicant(s) selected will be contacted by Friday.

• Attach your resume(s) and cover letter(s) to the email.

9. Area Codes and Phone Numbers

In North American formatting, area codes are traditionally enclosed in parentheses, though this convention is becoming less common in digital contexts.

• Contact us at (555) 123-4567 for more information.

• Her office number is (212) 555-0100.

• Please call during business hours: (800) 555-1234.

10. Stage Directions and Asides

In scripts, plays, and sometimes in informal writing, parentheses indicate actions, emotions, or commentary that exists outside the main dialogue or narrative.

• JOHN: (sighing) I suppose you're right about that.

• The meeting went well (or so I thought at the time).

• She accepted the offer (much to everyone's surprise).

Using Parentheses in Professional Writing

Professional writing—including cover letters, business emails, and formal correspondence—requires careful consideration when using parentheses. While they're grammatically correct in most contexts, overuse can undermine your professionalism and hide important information.

Parentheses in Cover Letters

In cover letters, parentheses should be used sparingly and strategically. Hiring managers spend only 6-7 seconds on initial review, so every word counts. Parenthetical information might be overlooked entirely or signal that you're downplaying important qualifications.

"Although it is not wrong to use parentheses in your cover letter, it is better to avoid them. You might be burying an important thought by putting it in parentheses, or the sentence might be more cumbersome to read. It would be better to rewrite your thought without using parentheses." — Joyce Lain Kennedy, syndicated careers columnist

Acceptable uses in cover letters:

• Reference numbers: "I am applying for the Marketing Manager position (Ref: MM-2024-003)."

• Clarifying acronyms: "I increased Return on Investment (ROI) by 35%."

• Contact information formatting: "Please call me at (555) 123-4567."

Uses to avoid in cover letters:

• Important achievements: Don't write "Increased sales (by 40%)"—the percentage is crucial!

• Key qualifications: Don't diminish your credentials by placing them in parentheses.

• Company research: Information showing you've researched the company should be prominent, not parenthetical.

For best results, use our AI cover letter generator which automatically formats your content professionally and ensures important information isn't buried in parenthetical asides.

Parentheses in Business Emails

Business emails allow slightly more flexibility with parentheses than formal cover letters, but restraint is still important. According to email communication studies, emails with excessive punctuation are perceived as less professional.

Appropriate email uses:

• Time zones: "Let's schedule a call for 2:00 p.m. (EST)."

• Clarifications: "Please review the attached proposal (revised version)."

• Department references: "Contact IT Support (ext. 5555) for assistance."

• Brief asides: "The quarterly report (attached) shows positive trends."

When crafting professional emails, consider whether the parenthetical information truly belongs as an aside or if it should be integrated into your main text. Learn more about effective email communication in our guide on how to end an email professionally.

Parentheses in Resumes

Resumes present a unique challenge because space is limited and every word must earn its place. Parentheses can be efficient for certain information but should never contain your most impressive achievements.

Effective resume uses:

• Employment context: "Marketing Manager (remote position)"

• Company descriptions: "ABC Corporation (Fortune 500 company)"

• Location clarifications: "Boston, MA (relocated to Chicago, IL)"

• Project scope: "Led team (12 members) through product launch"

For guidance on structuring your application materials effectively, see our article on the difference between a cover letter and resume.

Punctuation Rules with Parentheses: The Complete Guide

Perhaps no aspect of parentheses causes more confusion than punctuation placement. Should the period go inside or outside? What about commas? This section provides definitive answers to these common questions.

Periods and Parentheses

Rule 1: Period goes OUTSIDE when the parenthetical phrase is part of a larger sentence.

• The interview went well (better than expected).

• She submitted her application on time (just barely).

• The company offers excellent benefits (including healthcare and retirement plans).

Rule 2: Period goes INSIDE when the entire sentence is within parentheses.

• I enjoyed the presentation. (The speaker was particularly engaging.)

• Submit your application by Friday. (Late submissions will not be considered.)

• The office closes at 5:00 p.m. (Please arrive before 4:30 for same-day service.)

Commas and Parentheses

Critical rule: Commas never go immediately inside parentheses or directly before the opening parenthesis.

• Correct: After the meeting (which lasted two hours), we had lunch.

• Incorrect: After the meeting, (which lasted two hours) we had lunch.

• Incorrect: After the meeting (which lasted two hours,) we had lunch.

When a comma is needed, it always appears after the closing parenthesis, never before the opening parenthesis or inside at either end.

Question Marks and Exclamation Points

When the content inside parentheses requires a question mark or exclamation point, but the main sentence doesn't, place the punctuation inside the parentheses.

• She finally received the job offer (can you believe it!) after months of searching.

• The deadline is tomorrow (or is it Thursday?) according to the latest email.

• He claims to have 10 years of experience (really?) but couldn't answer basic questions.

Capitalization Within Parentheses

Rule: Only capitalize the first word inside parentheses if it begins a complete, standalone sentence.

• Partial sentence (no capital): The project deadline (originally March 1) has been extended.

• Complete sentence within another (no capital): The candidate arrived late (she blamed traffic) but still impressed the panel.

• Complete standalone sentence (capital): Submit your resume by Friday. (The form is available online.)

Parentheses vs. Brackets vs. Dashes: When to Use Each

Understanding the distinctions between these punctuation marks will elevate your writing. Each serves a specific purpose and creates a different effect for your reader.

Parentheses ( ) — Gentle Asides

Parentheses create a soft interruption, gently inserting additional information without demanding attention. They signal: "This is extra context that might be helpful but isn't essential."

• Best for: Supplementary information, clarifications, dates, citations

• Tone: Subtle, understated, conversational

• Effect: Reader can mentally "skip" the parenthetical without losing meaning

Em Dashes — — Dramatic Emphasis

Em dashes create a sharp break, drawing attention to the enclosed content. They signal: "Pay attention—this is important!"

• Best for: Emphasis, dramatic pauses, surprising information

• Tone: Bold, emphatic, attention-grabbing

• Effect: Reader's attention is directed to the dashed content

Example comparison:

• Parentheses: "The CEO (who started the company in his garage) announced record profits."

• Em dashes: "The CEO—who started the company in his garage—announced record profits."

The em dash version emphasizes the impressive origin story, while parentheses treat it as mere background information.

Square Brackets [ ] — Editorial Insertions

Square brackets indicate editorial additions, clarifications within quotes, or translations. They signal: "This wasn't in the original—I'm adding it for clarity."

• Best for: Clarifying quotations, adding context, editorial notes

• Tone: Formal, academic, precise

• Common in: Academic writing, journalism, legal documents

Examples:

• The CEO stated, "[The merger] will create 500 new jobs." (Clarifying what "it" referred to)

• The email read: "I recieved [sic] your application." (Preserving original spelling error)

• "Il faut cultiver notre jardin" [We must cultivate our garden]. (Adding translation)

Choosing the Right Punctuation by Formality

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Parentheses

Even experienced writers make parentheses errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring your writing in cover letters, emails, and professional documents remains polished and effective.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Closing Parenthesis

The most common error is opening a parenthesis and forgetting to close it. This creates confusion and appears unprofessional.

• Wrong: The deadline is Friday (March 15 at 5:00 p.m.

• Correct: The deadline is Friday (March 15 at 5:00 p.m.).

Tip: After writing content in parentheses, immediately check for both opening and closing marks.

Mistake 2: Placing Essential Information in Parentheses

If information is crucial to your sentence's meaning, it doesn't belong in parentheses. This is particularly problematic in cover letters where every qualification matters.

• Problematic: I increased company revenue (by 40% over two quarters).

• Better: I increased company revenue by 40% over two quarters.

Mistake 3: Using Parentheses Too Frequently

Overusing parentheses makes your writing choppy and difficult to follow. If you find yourself using multiple parentheses per paragraph, consider restructuring your sentences.

• Overused: The project (which started in January) met all goals (including budget targets) by the deadline (March 15).

• Clearer: The project, which started in January, met all goals by the March 15 deadline, including all budget targets.

Mistake 4: Incorrect Punctuation Placement

Placing periods, commas, or other punctuation incorrectly with parentheses undermines your credibility as a writer.

• Wrong: The interview went well. (Better than expected.)

• Correct: The interview went well (better than expected).

• Also correct: The interview went well. (It went better than expected.)

Mistake 5: Nesting Too Many Parentheses

Placing parentheses within parentheses (also known as nesting) should be avoided in most writing. It creates confusion and is nearly impossible to read smoothly.

• Confusing: The report (which was completed last week (though initially due in January)) has been approved.

• Clearer: The report—which was completed last week, though initially due in January—has been approved.

If you must nest, use brackets inside parentheses: (see [Appendix A]).

Mistake 6: Creating Ambiguous References

When parenthetical content is placed poorly, it can create ambiguity about what the parenthetical refers to.

• Ambiguous: I spoke with the manager and her assistant (who was very helpful).

• Clear: I spoke with the manager and her assistant. The assistant was very helpful.

• Also clear: I spoke with the manager and her very helpful assistant.

Parentheses in Academic Writing and Citations

Academic writing relies heavily on parentheses, particularly for citations. Different style guides have specific requirements that scholars and students must follow.

APA Style (7th Edition)

APA uses an author-date citation system where both elements appear in parentheses.

• Basic citation: Research shows (Smith, 2023) that...

• With page number: According to the study (Johnson, 2024, p. 45)...

• Two authors: The findings (Anderson & Williams, 2023) suggest...

• Three or more authors: Studies indicate (Thompson et al., 2024)...

MLA Style (9th Edition)

MLA uses an author-page citation system, with no comma between elements.

• Basic citation: The author argues (Smith 45) that...

• No author: According to the article ("Job Market Trends" 23)...

• Multiple works: Several sources support this (Smith 45; Johnson 89)...

Chicago Style

Chicago offers both author-date and notes-bibliography systems.

• Author-date: Research confirms (Smith 2023, 45) this finding...

• Notes system: Uses footnotes/endnotes rather than parenthetical citations

Understanding citation formats is essential for academic integrity. Many of the same principles apply when you write professional documents that reference sources or data.

Special Uses of Parentheses

Beyond standard grammar rules, parentheses serve specialized functions in specific contexts. Understanding these uses will help you communicate effectively across different fields and formats.

Mathematics and Technical Writing

In mathematics and technical fields, parentheses indicate order of operations and group elements together.

• Basic grouping: (3 + 5) × 2 = 16

• Function notation: f(x) = x² + 2x + 1

• Technical specifications: The device operates at 110V (±10%)

Legal Documents

Legal writing uses parentheses for specific purposes:

• Defining terms: The Company (hereinafter "ABC Corp")...

• Section references: See Section 4(a)(ii)...

• Alternative readings: The tenant(s) shall maintain...

• Jurisdiction: Filed in the Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.)

Programming and Coding

In programming, parentheses serve crucial syntactic functions:

• Function calls: print("Hello, World!")

• Grouping conditions: if (x > 5 and y < 10):

• Parameter lists: def calculate(a, b, c):

Emotional and Informal Uses

In casual writing and online communication, parentheses often convey emotion or commentary:

• Emoticons: :) and :( use parentheses to represent expressions

• Asides: The meeting was productive (finally!).

• Self-deprecation: I'll try to explain (bear with me)...

Note: These informal uses are generally inappropriate for professional cover letters and business correspondence.

Expert Tips for Using Parentheses Effectively

These advanced strategies will help you master parentheses usage across all your writing contexts, from crafting cover letters to academic papers.

"Parentheses should be used sparingly in formal academic writing. If something is important enough to be in the sentence, it should be fully part of that sentence." — The University of Arizona Writing Center

Tip 1: Apply the Removal Test

Before using parentheses, read your sentence without the parenthetical content. If it doesn't make sense or loses critical meaning, reconsider your structure.

Tip 2: Consider Your Audience

Academic audiences expect parenthetical citations. Business audiences may view excessive parentheses as informal. Adjust your usage based on who will read your writing.

Tip 3: Limit to One Per Sentence

As a general rule, avoid using more than one parenthetical phrase per sentence. Multiple parentheticals create choppy, difficult-to-read prose.

Tip 4: Keep Parenthetical Content Brief

If your parenthetical content extends beyond a brief phrase or short sentence, consider whether it deserves its own sentence or paragraph instead.

Tip 5: Use Alternatives When Appropriate

Sometimes commas, dashes, or separate sentences work better than parentheses. Consider all options before defaulting to parentheses.

• For equal importance: Use commas

• For emphasis: Use em dashes

• For extensive detail: Use a separate sentence

Tip 6: Proofread Parentheses Carefully

Missing closing parentheses and incorrect punctuation placement are common errors. Always check your parentheses during proofreading, especially in important documents like job application cover letters.

Parentheses Examples by Writing Context

Let's examine how parentheses are used effectively (and ineffectively) across different writing contexts.

Cover Letter Examples

Effective use:

• I am applying for the Marketing Manager position (Ref: MM-2024-003).

• My experience includes Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementation.

• Please contact me at (555) 123-4567 at your convenience.

Ineffective use (avoid):

• I increased sales (significantly)—too vague, include specific metrics

• I have experience (extensive) in project management—place emphasis, don't hide it

• I am (very) excited about this opportunity—unnecessary parentheses

For more cover letter guidance, explore our comprehensive cover letter examples and cover letter templates.

Business Email Examples

Effective use:

• The meeting has been rescheduled to 3:00 p.m. (EST).

• Please review the attached proposal (v2.1).

• Contact Technical Support (ext. 5555) for assistance.

• The deadline is Friday (close of business).

Ineffective use (avoid):

• The project is behind schedule (again)—passive-aggressive

• Please respond (ASAP!!!)—unprofessional

• I think (personally) that we should reconsider—unnecessarily hedging

Academic Writing Examples

Effective use:

• Studies show significant correlation (p < 0.05) between variables.

• The phenomenon (see Figure 3) demonstrates...

• Research supports this theory (Smith, 2023; Johnson, 2024).

• The population (n = 500) was randomly selected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parentheses

Do periods go inside or outside parentheses?

It depends on whether the parenthetical content is a complete, standalone sentence. If the parenthetical phrase is part of a larger sentence, the period goes outside: "The meeting went well (better than expected)." If the entire sentence is contained within parentheses, the period goes inside: "(The meeting went particularly well.)" When in doubt, consider whether the parenthetical content could stand alone as its own sentence—if yes, punctuate it as one inside the parentheses.

Can I use parentheses in a cover letter?

Yes, but use them sparingly. Parentheses are acceptable for reference numbers, acronym introductions, and contact formatting. However, avoid placing important achievements or qualifications in parentheses, as this can make them seem less significant. For example, "Increased revenue by 40%" is stronger than "Increased revenue (by 40%)." If you're unsure about formatting, try our AI cover letter generator for professionally formatted output.

What's the difference between parentheses and brackets?

Parentheses ( ) contain supplementary information from the original author, while square brackets [ ] indicate editorial additions or clarifications, especially within quotations. For example: The CEO said, "We [the board] decided to expand." Here, brackets show that "the board" was added for clarity and wasn't in the original quote. In American English, parentheses are far more common in general writing, while brackets are primarily used in academic and journalistic contexts.

Should I use parentheses or dashes?

The choice depends on the emphasis you want to create. Parentheses create a subtle aside that readers can mentally skip—they downplay information. Em dashes—like these—create a dramatic pause that draws attention to the enclosed content. Use parentheses for truly supplementary information and dashes when you want to emphasize a point. In formal writing like cover letters, parentheses are generally preferred as dashes can seem too casual.

How do I use parentheses with commas?

Commas should never appear immediately before an opening parenthesis or inside parentheses at either end. If a comma is needed, place it after the closing parenthesis: "After the presentation (which lasted two hours), we adjourned." The comma follows the closing parenthesis, never precedes the opening one. This rule applies regardless of what punctuation the sentence would have if the parenthetical content weren't there.

Can I start a sentence with an open parenthesis?

Yes, you can start a sentence with a parenthesis if the entire sentence is contained within the parentheses. In this case, capitalize the first word and place the period inside: "(The report contains all relevant data.)" However, this construction is relatively rare and should be used sparingly. It's typically reserved for afterthought sentences that relate to but are separate from the preceding content.

How many parentheses can I use in one paragraph?

While there's no strict limit, using more than 2-3 parenthetical phrases per paragraph makes your writing choppy and difficult to follow. If you find yourself relying heavily on parentheses, consider whether some of that information should be restructured into complete sentences or integrated differently into your text. In professional documents like cover letters, aim for no more than one parenthetical phrase per paragraph.

Do I capitalize words inside parentheses?

Only capitalize the first word inside parentheses if it begins a complete, standalone sentence: "Submit your application by Friday. (The form is available online.)" When parenthetical content is part of a larger sentence, don't capitalize it: "The deadline (originally set for March) has been extended." Even if the parenthetical content is a complete thought within the sentence, don't capitalize: "She arrived late (the train was delayed) but still made the presentation."

Are parentheses appropriate in formal writing?

Parentheses are acceptable in formal writing when used appropriately—primarily for citations, acronym introductions, and brief clarifications. However, they should be used sparingly because they can make writing appear informal or suggest that you're adding afterthoughts. In highly formal documents like legal briefs or official reports, minimize parenthetical asides. Academic papers use parentheses extensively for citations, which is expected and appropriate.

How do I handle nested parentheses?

Nested parentheses (parentheses within parentheses) should generally be avoided as they create confusion. If you must nest, use square brackets inside regular parentheses: "The report (see Appendix [Figure 3.1]) contains the data." However, it's usually better to restructure your sentence to eliminate the need for nesting altogether. Consider using an em dash for one element or breaking the information into separate sentences.

Can parentheses contain questions or exclamations?

Yes, parenthetical content can include question marks or exclamation points when the content itself is a question or exclamation, even if the main sentence is not: "She accepted the position (can you believe it!) immediately." The question mark or exclamation point goes inside the parentheses, and the main sentence continues or ends with its own appropriate punctuation. However, use this construction sparingly, especially in formal writing.

What's the correct spacing around parentheses?

Place a space before the opening parenthesis and after the closing parenthesis (like this) when the parenthetical content appears within a sentence. There should be no space between the parenthesis and the content inside it. Correct: "The meeting (scheduled for Monday) was postponed." Incorrect: "The meeting ( scheduled for Monday ) was postponed." This rule applies to all writing contexts, from cover letters to academic papers.

Conclusion: Mastering Parentheses for Better Writing

Parentheses are powerful tools for adding supplementary information, clarifying terms, and organizing complex content—but like all punctuation, they require careful, intentional use. The key takeaways from this comprehensive guide:

• Remember the golden rule: If you remove the parenthetical content, your sentence must still make complete grammatical sense.

• Use parentheses sparingly in professional writing: Cover letters and business emails should minimize parenthetical content to maintain impact and professionalism.

• Master the punctuation rules: Periods go outside parentheses when the parenthetical is part of a larger sentence, inside when the entire sentence is parenthetical.

• Choose the right tool: Understand when commas, dashes, or brackets might serve your purpose better than parentheses.

• Consider your audience: Academic readers expect certain parenthetical conventions (like citations) while business readers may view excessive parentheses as informal.

By mastering parentheses, you'll communicate more clearly in every writing context—from academic papers to professional cover letters. Your writing will appear more polished, your ideas more accessible, and your professionalism more evident.

Ready to put these principles into practice? Our AI cover letter generator automatically handles punctuation and formatting, ensuring your professional documents are always polished and error-free. Whether you're writing a cover letter for your first job or a career change cover letter, proper punctuation—including appropriate parentheses use—helps you make a strong first impression.

Start creating professionally punctuated cover letters today with Cover Letter Copilot—your AI-powered writing assistant for job applications.