Page 941 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
P. 941
Parentheses: Tools of
Understatement
4
Use parentheses correctly.
While dashes emphasize, parentheses downplay or de-emphasize.
Parentheses are used to enclose material that a reader could skip
over without missing the more important ideas.
Examples of Parentheses Used to De-
emphasize
The Drama Club will meet in the Humanities Conference Room
(Room 222, Stetson Hall) at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 26.
Ann knew the apartment was not for her. She hated the color of
the walls (mint green), didn’t like the location (Bass Road), and was
horrified at the price ($800 per month).
