Which punctuation marks correctly set off a parenthetical aside?

Which punctuation marks correctly set off a parenthetical aside?

• A. Parentheses or dashes.
• B. Quotations marks.
• C. Colons.
• D. Periods.

Answer: (A)

Punctuation that marks extra, nonessential information tucked into a sentence is what sets off a parenthetical aside. The clear choices are parentheses or dashes. They surround the aside so the reader understands it’s supplementary and not required to grasp the main point. For example: The plan (which was ambitious) moved forward. The plan — which was ambitious — moved forward. Quotations marks are for spoken words or titles, not for asides. Colons introduce explanations or lists, not a separate aside. Periods end sentences and don’t enclose any extra material. Dashes can add a punch or abruptness to an aside, while parentheses tend to read as more parenthetical and less disruptive.

Punctuation that marks extra, nonessential information tucked into a sentence is what sets off a parenthetical aside. The clear choices are parentheses or dashes. They surround the aside so the reader understands it’s supplementary and not required to grasp the main point. For example: The plan (which was ambitious) moved forward. The plan — which was ambitious — moved forward.

Quotations marks are for spoken words or titles, not for asides. Colons introduce explanations or lists, not a separate aside. Periods end sentences and don’t enclose any extra material. Dashes can add a punch or abruptness to an aside, while parentheses tend to read as more parenthetical and less disruptive.