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Parentheses and Dashes: Correct Usage
Introduction
Parentheses and dashes signify an "aside" from the point you are trying to make in your statement. Each has a particular function in your writing, although occasionally being seen as interchangeable. Parentheses subtly add information to your point whereas dashes abruptly stop your writing to inject an interjection or halt. The use of dashes in formal academic research is uncommon, despite the fact that parentheses can be used in all literary genres. Dashes are more prevalent in less formal and fiction literature.
The Dash
The dash is quite common in all kinds of writing. The em dash and the en dash are two different types of dashes. The somewhat shorter en dash is roughly the same width as an N, whereas the em dash is comparable to the width of the letter M.
The word "to" is frequently substituted with the en dash. They are frequently used to refer to time periods, as in "the years 1990–1999."
The em dash, on the other hand, denotes a sudden shift in a sentence's meaning. It has quickly evolved into the punctuation equivalent of a Swiss army knife. It can indicate pauses for dramatic effect, convey opposing emotions, link dates, identify the source of a quote, take the place of a colon or semicolon, and even bring a string of words to a close.
Dashes are useful, to be sure, but they may sometimes cause a phrase to lose its flow. You don't want to overwhelm your reader with too many of them. In any case, it is what dash critics typically assert.
Em dashes can be used in place of commas, colons, and parenthesis. Em dashes separate additional information, such as instances, explanatory or descriptive sentences, or supplementary facts, in the same way as commas and parentheses do. An em dash, like a colon, starts a phrase that elaborates or clarifies what comes before it. The decision of which mark to use is basically a question of personal preference. The em dash is occasionally seen of as a less formal analogue of the colon and parenthesis, although in reality it is used in all types of writing, including the most professional.
The space between em dashes varies. The majority of books and journals remove spacing, shutting everything before and after the em dash right up close to it. In contrast, the majority of newspapers and many popular magazines place a space before and after the dash.
Common Uses of an em-dash
Let’s look at some of the common uses of an em-dash
A sudden shift or break in a sentence's structure can be indicated with an em dash.
Priya thought that the weather in London was amazing, but her husband—he felt otherwise.
Em dashes are used to emphasise or bring attention to parenthetical or amplifying information instead of commas or parentheses.
The store usually stays open for long—7:00 am to 10:00pm—but they seem to have shut down early today.
Dashes begin or end defining sentences and lists.
Meera was delighted to see the baked options the café had to offer—cakes, pastries, and her favourite, the banana muffins.
At the end of a quoted section, a dash is frequently placed before the name of the author or source.
“A man is but a product of his thoughts.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Parentheses
Parentheses also denote a pause in thought, but unlike dashes, they denote an addition of information rather than an interruption.Parentheses are a kinder addition to a sentence than dashes, which might be unexpected.
Similar to dashes, parenthesis should only be used sometimes. Too many might sabotage your thoughts' coherence and flow. They are frequently seen as having a casual tone, so keep that in mind as well. As a result, make sure they are acceptable for the writing style you are utilising. If not, commas or other academically suitable punctuation are frequently more appropriate.
Here are some pointers for using parenthesis correctly −
For incidental information like numbers, dates, examples, and references, parentheses can be used −
The film was hit and ran for an incredible seventeen (17) weekends.
Reports suggested that paracetamol helped in reducing body pains (Lala, 2012).
The only time punctuation is appropriate is after the closing parenthesis, but never before a parenthesis. Parentheses are not allowed to change the main statement's punctuation, according to the rule −
Jaya finally started to feel confident after several weeks of exercises (speech and memory).
Lists that contain numbers or letters should be enclosed in a pair of parentheses.
When submitting your application, kindly include the following four items: (1) a cover letter, (2) a CV, (3) a copy of your college transcript, and (4) a list of three professional references.
Parentheses are often used to denote time zones after the time.
The meeting has been scheduled at 9:30 am (IST). Don’t be late!
Sometimes parenthesis is used to denote area codes.
My India number is (+91) 88888 11111. Call me if you have any queries.
Parentheses can be used to indicate brief translations in unquoted material. (Translations in quoted text are indicated in brackets.)
Ian only understands the words chai (tea) and shukriya (thank you) in Hindi.
When a person is first mentioned in a piece of writing, the years of their birth and passing are sometimes included in parenthesis. The year should be followed by a question mark if it is unknown. The years are separated from one another by an en dash rather than a hyphen.
Guido Cavalcanti (1255–1300) had a significant impact on Dante's works.
Conclusion
Lastly, an important advice would be that don't just add dashes or parenthesis for show; make sure they are providing important new information. In your writing, try to be precise and clear using en dash and em dash.
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