Linked Questions
20 questions linked to/from What is the proper use of [square brackets] in quotes?
7
votes
6answers
7k views
Is there an opposite term for [sic]?
In academics, the note [sic] is used to make it clear that material lifted from a secondary source was incorrect as the author found it, as opposed to a mistake in the text.
Is there an opposite term ...
3
votes
1answer
73 views
Why does it make sense to surround [words] in square brackets in this case? [duplicate]
I know that putting words in square brackets when quoting is used to clarify or emphasize something, but I've seen some cases where it really doesn't make sense to me.
For example this sentence:
...
13
votes
4answers
42k views
How are bracket ellipsis […] used in quotations?
I see this type of syntax often, but I do not know how, when or where they should be used.
"It is the case that [...] the inconvenience is altogether imaginary."
Is it okay to use if I need to ...
3
votes
2answers
83 views
Using brackets in quotes: You['re] vs [You're]
Quick question, if the original quote is "You are..." but I'm attempting to combine the two words, would the correct way to use brackets be:
a. [You're] (entire word in bracket)
b. You['re] (...
3
votes
1answer
767 views
Square Brackets and ellipses
I'm writing an essay and I'm having an issue with brackets and ellipses. If I want to quote a text and I use the square brackets to clarify the context, do I also include the ellipses when I'm missing ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
Inserting Commas Into Quotations [closed]
I am currently writing my English coursework to hand in tomorrow and would very much appreciate some quick help. I would like to know whether I should insert commas into a quotation to make it read ...
-3
votes
2answers
343 views
What does words in [ ] says? [duplicate]
for example "Everybody [is] joking about him" what does [is] stands for ?
0
votes
0answers
32 views
proper way of attributing a writer's note within a quote [duplicate]
In journalistic writing, if I need to attach some necessary background information within a quote, what's the proper way to do it? I want to indicate that the information is something that I've ...
1
vote
1answer
156 views
Are brackets greedy?
I have the sentence fragment:
each in itself for achieving this pure abstraction of being-for-itself
and I'd like to incorporate it into my paper so that the quotation reads as follows:
They ...
11
votes
5answers
110k views
How to add contextualizing text to a quotation?
How do you add text which provides context to a quote?
For example, consider if I were to quote someone as having said:
This is unacceptable!
Were that the whole quote, can I add any text to the ...
8
votes
3answers
48k views
How do I properly use [sic] for a phrase? Or do I use it at all?
The actual sentence I am quoting is:
Company A will provide regular communications to Company B on the status of level of effort in comparison the projected monthly amounts contained in our ...
0
votes
1answer
221 views
Usage of brackets for missing or unclear transcription [duplicate]
I have for many year wondered what is missing when I read sentences like
David Canton, the Education Department spokesman, stated:
“(It) shouldn’t have happened. (C)ommon sense should prevail.”
...
1
vote
3answers
18k views
How to use [sic] at the end of a quote?
The OpenStreetMap Sign Up page advises new users on its password policy:
With OpenID a password is not required, but some extra tools or server [sic] may still need one.
I've added [sic] ...
4
votes
3answers
5k views
Usage of [sic] in quote
If a quote contains a capitalization error, should [sic] be used?
For example, in the following: “But, alas! this kind heart had but a short time to remain such", the t in this would normally be ...
3
votes
3answers
37k views
Bracketed Capital Letter [duplicate]
What does the bracketed capital letter indicate in the revised version below? Is it essential, per the rules of proper punctuation, to do so? Are the ellipsis points (i.e., the spacing of the dots) ...