curly brackets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curly brackets" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in programming and mathematics to refer to the symbols { } that enclose a set of elements or a block of code. Example: "In many programming languages, curly brackets are used to define the beginning and end of a function."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Along the margins, orange curly brackets point to recommended wine and liquor pairings.

The New Yorker

The curly brackets denote the root of the new object, and we are copying the webTitle field over as-is.

The Guardian

It uses mathy symbols like curly brackets and oversized asterisks, which lead to snappy footnotes that begin with prompts like, "Alright, Smarty-Pants...". or "remember levers from fourth grade?" (No).

The New Yorker

It uses mathy symbols like curly brackets and oversized asterisks, which lead to snappy footnotes that begin with prompts like, "Alright, Smarty-Pants... ..... or "remember levers from fourth grade?" (No).

The New Yorker

Curly brackets '{' and '}' with an enclosed monomer definition.

Journal of Cheminformatics

which is the expression in curly brackets in (4).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The terms in the curly brackets sum to give the inertia mass at time t.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

As c(0) is finite and φ > 0, the second term inside the curly brackets in (26) converges toward zero.

Latin American Economic Review

The right side can consist of any number of nonterminal and terminal symbols, together with attribute definitions in curly brackets.

Visualization in Engineering

Some pieces, like the curly brackets section for setting up detailed actions, can be confusing to people who aren't familiar with programming.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The curly bracket indicates expanded rDNA repeats in Sup mutants.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, clearly define the purpose of using "curly brackets", whether it's to denote sets, code blocks, or other specific structures.

Common error

Avoid using "curly brackets" imprecisely. Ensure that each opening "curly bracket" has a corresponding closing "curly bracket". Otherwise, the reader or the compiler may fail to process the block correctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curly brackets" primarily functions as a noun, specifically referring to the pair of symbols { and }. As Ludwig AI points out, they are widely used in programming and mathematics to enclose sets of elements or code blocks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "curly brackets" refers to the symbols { and } and is widely used in technical fields like programming and mathematics to denote sets, code blocks, or other groupings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly encountered across various source types. When using "curly brackets", it's crucial to ensure proper matching and context to avoid syntax errors or misinterpretations. Alternative terms like "braces" and "curly braces" can be used interchangeably. The phrase's frequency and consistent usage make it an essential term for technical and structured communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

braces

A more general term that can also refer to parentheses or square brackets, but often used interchangeably with "curly brackets".

curly braces

A more emphatic version of "curly brackets" using the alternative term "braces".

set braces

Synonymous to "curly braces" but emphasizing their set-defining function.

set notation symbols

Highlights the use of curly brackets in mathematical set notation.

set delimiters

Highlights the function of curly brackets in defining sets.

braces in programming

Specifically refers to the use of braces in the context of programming languages.

left and right curly brackets

Describes the individual symbols that form a pair of "curly brackets".

code block delimiters

Focuses on the use of curly brackets in programming to define blocks of code.

begin and end braces

Focuses on the function of curly brackets as markers for the start and end of a block or set.

grouping symbols

A broader term describing the general function of brackets and braces.

FAQs

How are "curly brackets" used in programming?

"Curly brackets" are commonly used to define the beginning and end of code blocks, such as functions, loops, and conditional statements. They group multiple statements together, allowing them to be treated as a single unit.

What's the difference between "curly brackets", square brackets, and parentheses?

"Curly brackets" { } are typically used for defining sets or code blocks. Square brackets [ ] are often used for array indexing or list comprehensions. Parentheses ( ) are used for function calls, grouping expressions, or controlling operator precedence.

Can I use other terms instead of "curly brackets"?

Yes, you can use "braces" or "curly braces". They are often used interchangeably with "curly brackets".

How do I type "curly brackets" on a keyboard?

On most keyboards, you can type "curly brackets" by pressing Shift + [ (left "curly bracket") or Shift + ] (right "curly bracket").