brackets[ ]
Square brackets have two primary functions: to enclose explanatory words inserted in quotations and to serve as parentheses inside of parentheses. If your typewriter or keyboard does not have keys for square brackets, draw them in by hand.
BRACKETS IN QUOTATIONS
Brackets (not parentheses) are used to enclose brief explanations or additions inserted in quotations.
Linguist Bill Bryson observes that most English speakers today "looking at a manuscript from the time of, say, the Venerable Bede [English theologian, A.D. 673-735] would be hard pressed to identify it as being in English."
Brackets around the Latin word sic (which means "thus" or "so") indicate that the preceding word (or phrase) is reproduced exactly as it appears in the original, even though it is obviously misspelled or misused.
The journalist wrote that "bridal [sic] paths meander through the hills above Santa Barbara ."
Do not overuse sic. You can usually paraphrase a quotation or quote only the part that is correct.
BRACKETS IN PARENTHESES
Some writers prefer to use brackets instead of additional parentheses to set off a parenthetical item within another parenthetical item.
We should be sure to give Emanuel Foose (and his brother Emilio [1812-1882] as well) credit for his role in founding the institute.
