THE PARENTHESES

1. Parentheses are used within sentences, around entire sentences, and even around entire paragraphs. Parentheses are used to enclose words, numbers, or clauses that provide examples, personal comments, explanations, or supplementary material that does not essentially alter the meaning of the sentence.	Germany (I am not speaking about the Nazi Germany) has always been at the forefront of European cultural development.
2. Parentheses are used to enclose numerals that confirm a written number in a text.	The check must be made out in the amount of one hundred pounds (₤100) and must be certified by the bank on which it is drawn.
3. Parentheses are used to enclose numbers or letters in a series.	In order to keep fit, one has (1) to have good nutrition, (2) do a lot of exercise, (3) refrain from smoking.
4. Parentheses are used to enclose abbreviations that follow the spelled-out forms or spelled-out forms that follow their abbreviations.	The successful acquisition of a second language (L2) depends on a number of attitudinal factors.
5. Parentheses are used to indicate alternative terms.	Most researchers differentiate between mental (conscious) grammar, descriptive grammar and prescriptive grammar.