What is the correct way to use brackets?

Brackets, also known as parentheses, are used in writing to enclose additional information or clarify a point. Here are some guidelines for using brackets correctly:

1. Adding Information: Brackets can be used to include additional information within a sentence. This information is not essential to the main idea but provides extra details. For example: "The company (founded in 1995) has grown rapidly in recent years."

2. Clarifying or Correcting: Brackets can be used to clarify or correct a statement. If you need to modify or explain a word or phrase, you can use brackets to make it clear. For example: "The politician stated that the economy is [not] improving."

3. Citations and References: Brackets are commonly used in academic writing to include citations or references within a sentence. This helps to indicate the source of the information being presented. For example: "According to Smith [2019], climate change is a pressing issue."

4. Mathematical Equations: Brackets are used in mathematics to indicate the order of operations. They help to clarify which calculations should be performed first. For example: "5 + (3 x 2) = 11" (multiplication within brackets is done first).

5. Quotations: Brackets can be used within quotations to indicate changes or additions made to the original text. This is often done to provide context or clarify the meaning. For example: "She said, 'I [will] definitely attend the meeting.'"

Remember to use brackets sparingly and ensure that the information enclosed is relevant and adds value to the sentence.