GTTP Discussion Lesson Six

Discussion Topic

A part of punctuation not often used, the parentheses play a part in writing.  Most can write without ever using them.  This brings up the topic for discussion.  Considering the rules we covered in this lesson, how useful are parentheses?  Should writers use them or should parentheses be used for only certain types of written material such as newspaper articles, documentaries, biographies, etc ?

I see by the rules that parentheses exist for our use if we so choose.  If it can be done correctly I think parentheses should be used, because it can clarify certain information and look professional if this material is presented as a report for the boss or instructor.

I can see where they come in very handy to report information in a newspaper article, documentaries, and biographies, etc.; this seems to be the perfect symbol to use for this type of writing.  I disagree, however, that it should be the only time they are used.  As I said in the beginning, if it is done correctly it’s fine to use in stories and poetry; just watch that they are not used very often as the rules express.

Using parentheses in stories will accomplish a certain benefit you may not get by leaving them out.  If you need to explain what you just wrote but are limited in your word count then parentheses gives the perfect out.  You have clarified a statement and used fewer words to accomplish the job.

I can see using parentheses would have made an improvement to some pieces I have reviewed.  It’s a neat way to clarify a muddy statement.  The conversion rule is a good way to do contrast and insert needed information.  Sometimes in reviews a person will write an abbreviation, and I have not a clue what they are talking about.  I have to use this against them because it left me in the dark.  Where if they had just know about the mighty parentheses they could have saved face. 

Parentheses have a vital part to play in our writing if (stipulation) we use them correctly.