What is the function of comma?
The comma functions as a tool to indicate to readers a certain separation of words, phrases, or ideas in order to prevent misreading the writer’s intended meaning. When a sentence is spoken aloud, a comma often represents a pause, which in verbal conversation functions to clarify meaning.
Do we put comma after or?
Should you use a comma before or? The answer depends on how you are using or. Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. In a series (or list) of three or more items, you can use a comma before or, but this is a preference, not a rule.
How are brackets used in legal writing?
1 Answer. Use a pair of brackets in a quotation to enclose an editorial comment, correction, explanation, interpolation, substitution, or translation that was not in the original text. Use a pair of brackets around any character that you change in or add to quoted material.
What are brackets called?
The four main paired punctuation symbols are the bracket (or square bracket; also called parenthesis in British English), the parenthesis (plural: parentheses), the brace (curly bracket in British English), and the inequality sign (pointy bracket).
What does in parentheses mean?
parenthesis Add to list Share. When you use parentheses to set off material in a sentence, you say that the material is “in parenthesis.” Put something in parentheses if it’s a comment, an afterthought, or additional information that is possibly interesting but not essential to the subject.
What is a parenthetical in legal writing?
A parenthetical is an explanatory phrase included in parentheses at the end of a legal citation. Parenthetical use is governed in part by the Bluebook and in part by our own writing objectives.
Why do lawyers put numbers in parentheses?
Garner’s Modern American Usage says it was originally done in legal writing to prevent fraudulent alterations. I guess if you had to alter both the word and the numeral, it would be harder than if you had to alter just one or the other.
Does a comma go after specifically?
Should there be a comma after “specifically”? As with any similar adverb, a comma is required if it introduces a clause, but not if it is introduced into a clause. ‘I ordered a case of wine; specifically, pinot noir.
What are the rules for parentheses?
Parentheses (always used in pairs) allow a writer to provide additional information. The parenthetical material might be a single word, a fragment, or multiple complete sentences. Whatever the material inside the parentheses, it must not be grammatically integral to the surrounding sentence.
