Parentheses (these: ( )) are used to add extra information in a sentence. But where does the punctuation go — inside or outside? Let’s make it easy to remember!
When the sentence inside the parentheses is complete and stands on its own, the period goes inside.
If the words in parentheses are just a part of the full sentence, the period goes outside.
They go inside the parentheses if they belong to that part.
Don’t place a comma before parentheses, but placing one after is fine if the sentence needs it.
✅ If the full idea is inside the parentheses → period goes inside.
🧠 If it’s just extra info in the middle → punctuation goes outside.
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