1. Inserting Clarifications or Additional Information:
Brackets can be used to provide additional information or explanations that may be necessary for understanding a particular sentence or passage. For example:
- "The government's new policy [introduced last week] aims to reduce carbon emissions." (Here, brackets provide the timeframe for the policy's introduction.)
2. Nonrestrictive Elements or Asides:
Brackets can enclose nonrestrictive elements or asides that provide extra details without being essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example:
- "The author, Mark Twain [real name Samuel Langhorne Clemens], is known for his witty and satirical writings." (Brackets mark the nonrestrictive element about Twain's real name.)
3. Editorial Comments:
Brackets can enclose editorial comments or explanations added by someone other than the original writer. For example:
- "The original manuscript [now in the possession of the British Library] contained several handwritten revisions by the author." (Brackets indicate additional editorial information.)
4. Corrections and Alterations:
Brackets can be used to make corrections or alterations to the original text. For example:
- "The report [originally published in 2019] has since been updated with new data." (Brackets signal that the information within has been modified.)
5. Ellipses within Quoted Text:
When omitting a portion of a quote, brackets are used to indicate the missing text. For example:
- "The politician stated, '[W]e must work together to overcome the challenges facing our nation.'" (Brackets indicate an omitted word within the quote.)
6. Parenthetical Citations in Some Writing Styles:
Certain writing styles, like the Chicago Manual of Style, use square brackets to enclose parenthetical citations or references within the text. For example:
- "The study found that [Miller, 2021] climate change is significantly affecting sea levels." (Brackets enclose the parenthetical reference.)
7. Mathematical Notation and Equations:
In mathematical and scientific writing, brackets are used to denote specific operations or to enclose groups of elements. For example:
- "The equation for calculating distance is: distance = [velocity] × [time]." (Brackets group elements in the equation.)
Remember, the specific usage of brackets may vary depending on the writing style, context, or discipline. Always follow the preferred style guide or conventions when using brackets in your writing to ensure clarity and consistency.