Basic Details
Word: Parenthesis
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A pair of round brackets used in writing to insert extra information into a sentence.
Synonyms: Bracket, enclosure
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Put in parentheses: To add extra information or comments that are not essential. Example: "He finally finished his novel (a dream he'd had since childhood) after five years of hard work."
- Parenthesis of time: A brief interruption or break in the normal flow. Example: "During the parenthesis of time before the meeting, she caught up on her reading."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In the sentence "The picnic (which was planned for Saturday) was cancelled due to rain," the words in parentheses give additional information.
Example 2: The teacher asked us to identify the parenthesis in the text and explain its purpose.
Example 3: Using parentheses can make your writing clearer by providing necessary details without disrupting the main idea.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "parenthesis" comes from the Greek word "parenthesis," meaning "to put in beside"? This shows how these brackets serve to add information alongside the main text.
Famous Quote
"Good writing is clear thinking made visible." William Zinsser - This quote highlights how the clarity provided by structures like parentheses can improve our writing.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "parenthesis" mean?
a) A type of fruit
b) A pair of round brackets used in writing
c) A simple sentence
d) A figure of speech
Answer: b) A pair of round brackets used in writing
2. Which of these is a synonym of "parenthesis"?
a) Bracket
b) Statement
c) Clause
d) Paragraph
Answer: a) Bracket
3. Which sentence uses "parenthesis" correctly?
a) The parenthesis was covered in cheese.
b) She put her thoughts in parenthesis to expand on her idea.
c) Parenthesis are essential for drawing
d) Parenthesis help people to swim.
Answer: b) She put her thoughts in parenthesis to expand on her idea.
4. Which idiom means to add extra information not essential to the main point?
a) Put in parentheses
b) On cloud nine
c) Break the ice
d) Call it a day
Answer: a) Put in parentheses
5. What is the opposite of "parenthesis"?
a) N/A
b) Exclusion
c) A comma
d) An exclamation mark
Answer: a) N/A
