Parenthetical Expressions.docx

Parenthetical expression

1. Parenthetical Expressions

Parenthetical expressions are words, phrases, or clauses that
writers use to add extra information to a sentence. Parenthetical
expressions are also referred to as nonessential since they are not
needed to understand the basic meaning of a sentence. Think of
them as interrupters, asides, and add-ons to a sentence. This
lesson will introduce you to the major types of parenthetical
expressions and how to punctuate them correctly.
Major Types of Parenthetical Expressions
Parenthetical expressions fall into four major categories: direct
address, conjunctive adverbs, contrasting expressions, and
common expressions.
1. Direct address
The first type of parenthetical expression is direct address and
includes the names of people being addressed.
Examples:
 Sarah, can you close the door?
 Can you close the door, Sarah?
2. Conjunctive adverbs
The next type of parenthetical expression is made up
of conjunctive adverbs. Conjunctive adverbs are words that are

2. used to connect ideas. They include, but are not limited
to, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, however, in
addition, in fact, instead, moreover, nevertheless, next, now, on
the other hand, still, and thus.
Examples:
 The women, however, ate a bit later.
 Nevertheless, the men still ate at exactly five o'clock.
3. Contrasting expressions
Contrasting expressions are parenthetical expressions that tell
the reader that you are referring to one thing and not another.
Examples:
 The women, not the men, ate at the French patisserie.
 The baguettes, not the croissants, were the best sellers of the
day.
4. Common expressions
In addition to the three types of parenthetical expressions listed
above, there are a number of common expressions like I
think and of course.
Examples:
 Of course, the women ate at the French patisserie
 The baguettes, I think, were the best sellers of the day.

3. Notice that you could remove the parenthetical expressions in
the sentences above and the basic meanings would not change.
Punctuating Parenthetical Expressions
All parenthetical expressions need to be set off or encased
by commas. The only difference is where the parenthetical
expression is located in the sentence.
Beginning: If it is located at the beginning of the sentence, place
a comma after the parenthetical.
Example:
 Of course, it is always necessary to proofread your essays.
Middle: If the parenthetical appears in the middle of the
sentence, place a comma both before and after it.
Example:
 It is, of course, always necessary to proofread your essays.
End: When the parenthetical appears at the end of the sentence,
place a comma before the parenthetical and the appropriate end
punctuation after the expression.
Example:
 It is always necessary to proofread your essays, of course.