541. An Interrogation Point is oftentimes placed within a parenthesis in the body of a sentence to express doubt or uncertainty as to the accuracy of our statement. For example:
- In 1858 (?) this great movement was started.
- John (?) Smith was the next witness.
542. The parenthesis is used to include numerals or letters in the enumeration of particulars. For example:
- Economics deals with (1) production, (2) distribution, (3) consumption.
- There are three sub-heads; (a) grammar, (b) rhetoric, (c) composition.
543. Marks of parenthesis are used to inclose an amount or number written in figures when it is also written in words, as:
- We will need forty (40) machines in addition to those we now have.
- Enclosed find Forty Dollars ($40.00) to apply on account.
THE BRACKET
544. The bracket [ ] indicates that the word or words included in the bracket are not in the original discourse.
545. The bracket is generally used by editors in supplying missing words, dates and the like, and for corrections, additions and explanations. For example:
- This rule usually applies though there are some exceptions. [See Note 3, Rule 1, Page 67].