Parentheses

Like commas, parentheses set less important information apart from the main message. Since readers often skip or pay less attention to material in parentheses, in most cases you should use dashes, commas, or “such as” and “for example.” If you do use parentheses, check them when you proofread! Most people make mistakes, especially with punctuation marks. Remember: You should be able to remove the material in parentheses completely and still have a correctly punctuated, grammatical sentence.
Which is correct?
a. . (We sent the samples to Chase Paper Company on Tuesday).
b. . (We sent the samples to Chase Paper Company on Tuesday.)

Answer: b.

Why: Keep the punctuation inside the parentheses when you’re enclosing an entire sentence.
Which is correct?
a. . Customers have been calling all day about the summer sale (they’re excited!).
b. . Customers have been calling all day about the summer sale (they’re excited).
c. . Customers have been calling all day about the summer sale (they’re excited)!.
Answer: a. If the words in parentheses need an exclamation point or question mark, place it inside the parentheses. Then, add the correct punctuation to finish the sentence outside.
Which is correct?
a. . For more information, turn to the list in your employee handbook, (page 7), then call the Human Resources Department.
b. . For more information, turn to the list in your employee handbook (page 7), then call the Human Resources Department.
c. . For more information, turn to the list in your employee handbook (page 7) then call the Human Resources Department.

Answer: b. One of the more baffling punctuation issues is whether you need commas with parentheses and, if so, where you should put them. The rule here is basic and easy to remember: include a comma if it naturally belongs in the sentence, keeping it after the parentheses — never before.