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Latest post Sun, Dec 14 2008 1:35 AM by AlpheccaStars. 1 replies.
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shaynek  +  610717 Sat, 13 Dec 08 11:06 PM
Hallo.
I know it's completely useless and very confusing, but what are the rules surrounding parentheses within parentheses? My understanding is that, to separate a phrase, you would use "( )" first and "[ ]" to separate something within the "( )".

For example, if I want to put something in parentheses (to add a little info about it [and likely confuse people]), I would first use parentheses and then use square brackets inside.

What happens if you want to put another set of brackets within that second set?

For example, if I want to put something in multiple parentheses (to add a little info about it [and likely confuse {or annoy} people]), would I use the curly brackets as the third step?

If I wanted a fourth set, would it be "< >"?

I know there's probably no practical reason for using this many sets inside each other, and that you could easily format with different punctuation for clarity, but I want to know what is technically correct.

Thanks in advance,
Shayne
Joined on Sat, Dec 13 2008
New Member 01
AlpheccaStars  +  610737 Sun, 14 Dec 08 01:35 AM
 It depends. For general English writing, I have not seen any rules.The guidance I would give is to write with clarity in mind.

In computer languages, the rules and syntax are very precise and rigid.

Joined on Sun, Oct 12 2008
Senior Member 3,508
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