Brackets for Parenthesis
Brackets, also called parentheses, are a pair of punctuation marks used to add extra information into a sentence that is not essential to its main meaning. In Year 5 grammar, pupils learn that the sentence must still make complete sense if the words inside the brackets are removed. Brackets are one of three ways, alongside commas and dashes, of marking parenthesis in writing.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Find the extra piece of information you want to add that is not essential to the main sentence.
- Check that the main sentence still makes complete sense without this extra information.
- Place an opening bracket immediately before the extra information and a closing bracket immediately after it.
- Do not put a capital letter or full stop inside the brackets unless the information is a complete separate sentence.
- Read the sentence with the bracketed section removed to check it still works grammatically.
Worked example
Use brackets to add the extra information 'she is nine years old' into this sentence: 'My sister plays the violin every evening.'
- Identify where the extra information fits best: directly after sister.
- Check the main sentence still works without it: My sister plays the violin every evening.
- Add an opening and closing bracket around the extra information, with no capital letter needed.
- Insert the bracketed information into the sentence.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Add brackets to the sentence below to correctly mark the parenthesis: 'The museum which opened last year is free to visit.'
Using this example, identify the main clause and explain why brackets are used rather than a full stop within the parenthesis: 'The library (open until 8pm on weekdays) is on the high street.'
Write two sentences about a school library, each using brackets to add extra, non-essential information. Underline the words inside the brackets in each sentence.
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the brackets for parenthesis worksheet pack - 12 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
Build a full practice pack.
This topic is one of hundreds in the library - pick the ones a student needs and generate a printable PDF in minutes.