Transcript Brackets Notes

BRACKETS
* Brackets have one major use: to
enclose a word or words in a
quotation that were not spoken by
the person or source that is
quoted.

Use brackets to enclose an explanation
located within a quote to show that the
explanation is not part of the original
quote.
EXAMPLE: An eyewitness to the
inaugural celebration said, “I have not
seen such excitement since the last
landslide victory [in 2008].”

Use brackets to enclose an explanation
that is located within parenthetical text.
EXAMPLE: George Washington (the first
president of the United States [1789-1797])
was known for his leadership and
honesty.
EXAMPLES: Re-write the following sentences,
adding BRACKETS AND/OR PARENTHESES:
-Two presidents John Quincy Adams 1825-1829 and
George W. Bush 2001-2009 were sons of earlier
presidents.
-”The actor’s Lee Upshaw portrayal of a loner will
both move and upset you, “ wrote the movie
reviewer.
-Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790 offered this tip for a
good life: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a
man healthy, wealthy, and wise still good advice
today.”