Parenthetical Expression

In English grammar, a parenthetical expression refers to a word, phrase or clause that’s inserted within—be in force, it obstructs—another phrase or clause. A parenthetical expression is actually an addition of a word or phrase added to a sentence without altering the meaning or grammar of the original sentence. A bigger structure is complete in the absence of smaller structure, which could be an adverb clause, or an added comment or remark which consists of NO syntactic function in the clause.

Parenthetical Expression Examples

Following are a few examples of parenthetical expressions:

• Some foods, junk food for example, are not good for us.

• Rahul, who lives on the road, visits the temple regularly.

• Manav, although he comes from a cold climate, hates cold weather.

• Park, however, decided to go.

• The planet fifth in line from the sun (i.e. Jupiter) is the largest planet in the solar system.

• The 77th anniversary of the Normandy landings was attended by many world leaders.

• The Antarctic blue Whale—the world's largest land animal—is native to the Atlantic Ocean.

Note that in all the aforementioned examples, where the parenthetical phrase lies in the middle of the sentence, there should be a PAIR of punctuation marks—an opening mark as well as a closing mark. That being said, when a parenthetical phrase is at the starting or end of a sentence, we can incorporate a single dash or a single comma. It is NOT feasible to use a single bracket. Now take a look at these examples:

• Well, how are you going to make up for your mistake?

• You should never eat and talk, of course.

• Mark had not been smoking for long now—or so he says.

Essential Parenthetical Expression

The postman handling money at the door asked for a form of identification.

Nonessential Parenthetical Expression

The travelers, hoping to save time, took the peripheral way.

When nonessential details are added parenthetically in a sentence, it is generally separated from the main sentence by commas or any other punctuation. In fact, there are 3 kinds of punctuation which can separate parenthetical expressions:

ü  commas , ...,

ü  Long dashes —.....—

ü  Round brackets (.....)

Commas are a general form of punctuation for parenthetic. Note that, if the parenthetic comes in the middle of the sentence there should be TWO commas, one before and one after.

Round brackets are the next most usual type of punctuation for parenthetic. Bracketed parenthetic can only come in the middle of the sentence, and there should always be TWO brackets.

Dashes in English grammar for parenthetic are much less common. If the parenthetic comes in the middle of the sentence, there should be TWO dashes, one before and one after. 

Parenthetical Expression Practice Worksheet

Select the correct answer for each question

1. Which of the given statements is punctuated correctly?

A. The new classmate in my section who moved from South Goa is very nice.

B. The new classmate in my section, who moved here from South Goa, is very nice.

Answer: B

2. Which of the given sentences is punctuated correctly?

A. I love all types of chocolate cake, choco chip, truffle, choco mud and coffee crush and could eat it for dessert every day.

Parenthetical Expression As Introductory Phrase

Interesting to know that a parenthetical phrase can also be used as an introductory phrase. For example:-

• However, the girl was deemed too hefty to climb the rope

• To no avail, the girls attempted to bunk from the hostel

• Sadly, the thieves had stolen belongings from the safety locker as well.

In the introductory form of phrases, parenthetical can encourage flow from one statement to the next within an essay. Repeatedly, the parenthetical can be excluded while leaving the statement intact. Parenthetical phrases must be a crucial component of every writer’s arsenal.

Interesting Facts Parenthetical Phrase

Parenthetical expressions provide extra detail but are not essential. You can add and eliminate a parenthetical phrase and the sentence would function just the same.

Conclusion

Parenthetical expressions add additional details but can easily be removed without hampering the meaning of the sentence. With the example of parenthetical expression taken above you would have understood that these can be added and eliminated without ruining the meaning or grammar of the main sentence.