Punctuation Quiz: Parentheses And Brackets!

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Questions: 10 | Attempts: 3,367 | Updated: Aug 30, 2024

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Punctuation Quiz: Parentheses And Brackets! - Quiz

Below is a punctuation trivia quiz on 'Parentheses and Brackets'! Most people are confused when it comes to how to use the two in a sentence. In this quiz, you will be expected to show just how much you know about using them in a sentence. Do give it a shot and not only test yourself but also get to learn some new techniques.

Questions and Answers

1.

What are parentheses used for?
- A.
  
  To end a sentence.
- B.
  
  To insert in extra information.
- C.
  
  To descibe something.
Correct Answer
B. To insert in extra information.

Explanation
Parentheses are used to insert extra information into a sentence without disrupting the flow of the main idea. They are often used to provide additional details, explanations, or examples that are not essential to the main sentence but can enhance the reader's understanding. By enclosing this information in parentheses, it separates it from the rest of the sentence, making it clear that it is additional or supplementary.

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17
2.

What are brackets used for?
- A.
  
  To tell you who is talking in the quote.
- B.
  
  To add in information.
- C.
  
  To make you confused with parentheses.
Correct Answer
A. To tell you who is talking in the quote.

Explanation
Brackets are commonly used in writing to indicate that the information within them has been added by someone other than the original author. In the context of the question, brackets are used to indicate the speaker in a quote or dialogue. By including the speaker's name or identity within brackets, it helps the reader understand who is speaking and provides clarity in the quote.

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5
3.

My dog (who is very stupid) cannot do any tricks. This is an example of:
- A.
  
  Parentheses
- B.
  
  Brackets
- C.
  
  Neither
Correct Answer
A. Parentheses

Explanation
This sentence is an example of parentheses because it uses the punctuation marks "(" and ")" to provide additional information about the dog. The phrase "who is very stupid" is enclosed within parentheses to give more details about the dog's intelligence.

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5
4.

A comma should always be placed before the conjunction in a compound sentence.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
In a compound sentence, a comma is placed before the conjunction (such as "and," "but," or "or") to separate the two independent clauses. For example: "She wanted to go to the park, but it started raining." This helps to clarify the sentence structure and improve readability.

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3
5.

Which sentence below uses parentheses properly?
- A.
  
  He is very stupid(but he is very cute!).
- B.
  
  The (though she's very scary) old lady gave us some cookie.
- C.
  
  The baby (who was only two) started to dance before our eyes.
Correct Answer
C. The baby (who was only two) started to dance before our eyes.

Explanation
The correct answer is "The baby (who was only two) started to dance before our eyes." This sentence uses parentheses properly to provide additional information about the baby's age. The parentheses are used to set off the phrase "who was only two" from the rest of the sentence, indicating that it is an additional detail.

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5
6.

A colon (:) should be used to introduce a list or explanation after an independent clause.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation following an independent clause. For example: "She brought several items to the meeting: a notebook, a pen, and a laptop." The clause before the colon must be a complete sentence that could stand alone.

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3
7.

Is it absolutely necessary to use parentheses while writing something?
- A.
  
  Yes
- B.
  
  Not at all
Correct Answer
B. Not at all

Explanation
Parentheses are not absolutely necessary while writing something. They are used to enclose additional information or to indicate a separate thought within a sentence. However, the absence of parentheses does not affect the clarity or grammatical correctness of a sentence. Therefore, it is not necessary to use parentheses while writing.

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1
8.

Are brackets a type of parentheses?
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Brackets are indeed a type of parentheses. In grammar, parentheses are used to enclose additional information or to indicate an interruption in a sentence. Brackets, on the other hand, are used to add explanatory or clarifying information within a sentence. Both parentheses and brackets serve similar purposes, but brackets are specifically used for inserting additional information or modifying a statement. Therefore, it is correct to say that brackets are a type of parentheses.

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7
9.

How often should parentheses be used?
- A.
  
  As often as possible
- B.
  
  Only when necessary
- C.
  
  Whenever you want
- D.
  
  Never
Correct Answer
B. Only when necessary

Explanation
Parentheses should be used only when necessary because they are used to separate additional information or clarify a statement within a sentence. They are not meant to be used excessively or arbitrarily, as this can disrupt the flow and clarity of the sentence. Using parentheses only when necessary ensures that the information within them is relevant and adds value to the sentence, without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary or distracting information.

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3
10.

A semicolon (;) is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
A semicolon is used in lists where the items themselves contain commas to avoid confusion. For example: "The conference had attendees from New York, USA; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan." The semicolon helps clearly separate each list item.

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2

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Current Version
Aug 30, 2024

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Mar 04, 2011

Quiz Created by
CarrieBrewer

Punctuation Quiz: Parentheses And Brackets!

What are parentheses used for?

What are brackets used for?

My dog (who is very stupid) cannot do any tricks. This is an example of:

A comma should always be placed before the conjunction in a compound sentence.

Which sentence below uses parentheses properly?

A colon (:) should be used to introduce a list or explanation after an independent clause.

Is it absolutely necessary to use parentheses while writing something?

Are brackets a type of parentheses?

How often should parentheses be used?

A semicolon (;) is used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.