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English 1b3 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Quote with Square Brackets

What is the square bracket being used for here and is it being used correctly? I thought the square bracket could be used to add clarification but not replace a word(s)...

"Although it took them several hours, [the authorities] eventually found the suspect in a rundown house in west Otara."

Thanks
  

Top answer

It is common practice when a writer wants to explain unclear or ambiguous words in a quote. Personally, I have never liked it much. I prefer to see the original word retained and the explanation in square brackets, as you suggest.

— GPY

  • It is common practice when a writer wants to explain unclear or ambiguous words in a quote.
  • Personally, I have never liked it much.
  • I prefer to see the original word retained and the explanation in square brackets, as you suggest.
  • ".
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3 Answers
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It is common practice when a writer wants to explain unclear or ambiguous words in a quote. Personally, I have never liked it much. I prefer to see the original word retained and the explanation in square brackets, as you suggest. For example "Although it took them several hours, they [the authorities] eventually ...".
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Thank you for clarifying.

Having seen the square bracket used in this way frequently, I used to think there were so many people who leave out important words when speaking to the press! But I thought about it some more and figured the author is replacing not adding a word
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English 1b3I used to think there were so many people who leave out important words when speaking to the press!
That's the impression I instinctively get too.
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