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Ann225 Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

Parentheses or parenthesis

Hi,

Would you say:

“Open round brackets and write 4 + 5. After that, close the brackets.”

”Open new parentheses and write 4 + 5. After that, close the parentheses.”

“Write a round bracket, put 4 + 5 behind it and then close the bracket/brackets.”

“Write a parenthesis, put 4 + 5 behind it and then close the parenthesis/parentheses.”?

I used both ‘bracket’ and ‘parenthesis’ because I know that in some regions it’s more common to use the first, while in others it’s more likely that you’ll hear the latter.

The sentences are probably incorrect, but I honestly don’t know how you say it and the comments I found on other forums only added to my confusion.

Thank you.

  

Top answer

Would you say: “Open round brackets and write 4 + 5. ” Yes ”Open new parentheses and write 4 + 5. ”?

— Clive

  • Would you say: “Open round brackets and write 4 + 5.
  • ” Yes ”Open new parentheses and write 4 + 5.
  • ”?
  • No I used both ‘bracket’ and ‘parenthesis’ because I know that in some regions it’s more common to use the first, while in others it’s the latter.
  • The sentences are probably incorrect, but I honestly don’t know how you say it.
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3 Answers
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Would you say:

“Open round brackets and write 4 + 5. After that, close the brackets.” Yes

”Open new parentheses and write 4 + 5. After that, close the parentheses.” Maybe

“Write a round bracket, put 4 + 5 behind it and then close the bracket/brackets.” No

“Write a parenthesis, put 4 + 5 behind it and then close the parenthesis/parentheses.”? No

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For me (U.S.) it has always been, and always will be, the following:

( ) parentheses
[ ] brackets
{ } braces

Each consists of the "left" and the "right" parenthesis, bracket, or brace.

It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I ever heard of parentheses being called brackets. I'm not sure, but I think it may be the British way.

CJ

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Brackets = [ ]

Curly Braces = { }

Parentheses = ( )

They have different uses and also different names depending on the country. There is a detailed article here.

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