Fun Easy English Classroom October 18
 
 
 
 

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Learn about
brackets
Brackets

Today you are going to learn about brackets an important part of English grammar.
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Grammar: Brackets

Definition of brackets.
  • Brackets look like this:

( ) or [ ] or < > or { }

  • Brackets are used in pairs to set apart or interject text within a written text
Brackets Examples
  • Parentheses ( )
  • also called round brackets
  • used to contain parenthetical (or optional, additional) material in a sentence that could be removed without destroying the meaning of the main text
  • Example: "George Washington (the father of his country) was not the wooden figure with wooden teeth that many think him."
  • used to add supplementary information
  • Example: "Sen. Kennedy (D., Massachusetts) spoke at length."
  • may also be nested
  • Example: (with one set inside another set (but this is not commonly used in formal writing))
  • Square brackets [ ]
  • used to enclose explanatory or missing [...] material, especially in quoted text
  • Example: "I appreciate it [the honor], but I must refuse."
  • Example: "The future of psionics [See definition] is in doubt."
  • Angle brackets < >
  • used to enclose highlighted material, such as URL’s in text
  • Example: "I found it in Fun Easy English <www.funeasyenglish.com>."
  • Braces { }
  • also called curly brackets
  • used in specialized ways in poetry and music (to mark repeats or joined lines), and sometimes used in conventional text to indicate a series of equal choices
  • Example: "Select your animal {goat, sheep, cow, horse} and follow me."
Fun Easy English Grammar Lessons
From YOUR Teacher: Brackets

Brackets, especially parentheses, are often used in written English text.
 
Additional Information
Study Tips
(Beginner - Listening)

Avoid Ineffective Study Methods. An audio lesson to help you study English more effectively. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Great English study tips.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.