Use of Brackets

Brackets are used for a number of purposes:

Use #1: Sometimes, you may wish to clarify or add to an original quote. Put words that are being added to an original quote within brackets.

Example:
Original: She said, “I found their services invaluable.”
Amended: She said, “I found their [IT] services invaluable.”

Always put the changes in brackets, not parentheses. This tells your readers exactly how you have altered the original.

Use #2: Use brackets as parentheses within parentheses. You will see this with bibliographic references.

Example: (For more on the topic, see The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation [2008].)

Use #3: Use brackets to show the pronunciation of a word.

Example: He mispronounced mischievous [mis-chuh-vuhs].

Use #4: Use brackets surrounding sic and italicize it.

Example: She wrote, “They made there [sic] beds.”

The Latin term sic is used to indicate that something written is intentionally left in the original form, which may be incorrect.

Pop Quiz
Place brackets where needed.

1. (For more details on brackets, see The Chicago Manual of Style 2003.)
2. He has difficulty correctly pronouncing nuclear noo-klee-er.
3. The instructions read, “Be sure to tighten it’s sic lid securely.”

Answers

1. (For more details on brackets, see The Chicago Manual of Style [2003].)
2. He has difficulty correctly pronouncing nuclear [noo-klee-er].
3. The instructions read, “Be sure to tighten it’s [sic] lid securely.”