English // Grammar & Punctuation

Brackets and dashes for parenthesis

Use brackets, dashes, and commas to indicate parenthesis — additional information inserted into a sentence that could be removed without changing the sentence's core meaning

Ages
9 to 10
Type
Method
Builds on
2 topics
Leads to
1 topic
Standards
2 codes

Quick check

When the learner adds a little extra detail inside a sentence — like "The teacher, who is very strict, gave us homework" — do they correctly use brackets, dashes, or commas around that added bit?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Insert a parenthetical phrase using paired brackets, e.g. 'The oldest building (built in 1642) stands in the town square'
  • Use paired dashes to add an aside or extra detail within a sentence, e.g. 'My brother — who is older than me — lives in London'
  • Choose between brackets, dashes, and commas for parenthesis based on how much emphasis the aside should receive, recognising that dashes give most prominence and brackets give least

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

2 topics
  • Commas in listsRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 6 to 11

    Parenthetical commas are a new comma use; learners need secure comma-in-lists knowledge before learning commas for parenthesis

  • Punctuating Direct SpeechHelpful

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 7 to 10

    Direct speech punctuation introduces the concept of embedding one structure within another; parenthesis similarly embeds additional information

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Brackets and dashes for parenthesis

Ages 9 to 10 // Method

Leads to

1 topic

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
Eng.App2.Y5.Punc.1Eng.UKS2.Write.VGP.2c

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