The main use of brackets in writing is to:
A. mark an interruption in a quotation.
B. note an error in a quotation.
C. indicate an omission from a quotation.
D. indicate an alteration in a quotation.
A
Incorrect
The main use of brackets in writing is to indicate an alteration in a quotation.
To understand this, let's break down the options:
A. Mark an interruption in a quotation.
An interruption in a quotation is usually indicated using ellipsis (three dots: ...), not brackets. Ellipsis is used when you want to omit words or phrases from a quotation.
B. Note an error in a quotation.
When there is an error in a quotation, you should use the Latin term "sic" in brackets immediately after the error to indicate that it was present in the original source. However, this usage is not the main function of brackets.
C. Indicate an omission from a quotation.
As mentioned earlier, the main symbol used to indicate an omission from a quotation is an ellipsis (three dots: ...). Ellipses are used to show that a portion of the original text has been excluded.
D. Indicate an alteration in a quotation.
This is the correct answer. Brackets are typically used when you want to make a change to a quotation to provide clarification, to correct grammar or tense, or to ensure that the quotation fits into the context of your own writing. It is important to use brackets to indicate any changes you make to a quotation so that it is clear to your readers which parts are your own additions.
Therefore, the main use of brackets in writing is to indicate an alteration in a quotation.