parenthetical aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parenthetical aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comment or remark that is added to a sentence, usually set off by parentheses, to provide additional information or clarification. Example: "The committee, in a parenthetical aside, noted that the budget would need to be revised next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A pyramid can never symbolize a parenthetical aside.

The New Yorker

I have sung the praises of this phrase before, as the greatest parenthetical aside in literature.

The New Yorker

(Ordinarily, we would add a parenthetical aside here. Perhaps this time we shouldn't).

The New York Times

The memoir dispatches a significant chunk of her 1990s-era history with the parenthetical aside, "Crack was smoked, there were rock stars".

The New York Times

And I was puzzled by her mere parenthetical aside, among the numerous performances she documents, of Nureyev's famous 1978 appearance on "The Muppet Show".

The New York Times - Books

My very photogenic mother died in a freak accident (picnic, lightning) when I was three … I have sung the praises of this phrase before, as the greatest parenthetical aside in literature.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I would think: "When I am a writer, I shall do parenthetical asides.

The New York Times - Books

And I'll confine my quibbles to a few parenthetical asides.

The Washington Post

The fits and starts, parenthetical asides, elisions and self-interruptions convey a character in crisis.

The Guardian

Her writing is funny and quirky and sharp and sad — calamity laced with humor — and full of quietly heroic characters who offer knowing Lorrie Moore-esque parenthetical asides.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lewis was the first writer to make me aware that somebody was writing the book I was reading — these wonderful parenthetical asides to the reader.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "parenthetical aside" when you want to subtly add extra context, explanation, or commentary without disrupting the main flow of your writing. It's perfect for providing additional information or a quick, related thought that enhances understanding but isn't crucial to the core argument.

Common error

Avoid filling your writing with too many "parenthetical asides". While they can be useful, overuse can make your writing feel disjointed and difficult to follow. Use them sparingly to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parenthetical aside" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a type of comment or remark that is included within a sentence or passage, often enclosed in parentheses or set off by dashes. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "parenthetical aside" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a comment or remark included within a sentence or passage, often set off by parentheses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for adding supplementary information without disrupting the main flow. While "parenthetical aside" is somewhat formal, appearing mainly in news and academic writing, it can be replaced by alternatives like "side comment" or "incidental comment" for more casual contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parenthetical remark

Focuses more specifically on the remark itself, rather than the structural element of being in parentheses.

incidental comment

Highlights the casual and non-essential nature of the added information.

passing observation

Emphasizes the brevity and non-centrality of the remark.

brief digression

Indicates a temporary departure from the main topic.

supplementary note

Stresses the additive and explanatory function.

side comment

A simpler, more informal way to describe a brief additional comment.

explanatory interjection

Emphasizes the interruption and clarification provided.

offhand remark

Highlights the casual and unplanned nature of the comment.

non-essential clause

More grammatically focused, highlighting the dispensability of the information.

interpolated thought

Focuses on the insertion of a thought within a larger statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "parenthetical aside" in a sentence?

Use "parenthetical aside" to insert additional information or context that enriches the main statement without derailing it. Ensure the aside is relevant but non-essential to the core meaning. For example, "The project, in a "parenthetical aside", also aimed to improve community relations."

What are some alternatives to "parenthetical aside"?

Alternatives include "side comment", "incidental comment", or "supplementary note" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of adding extra information.

Is it always necessary to use parentheses when including a "parenthetical aside"?

While parentheses are common, you can also use em dashes or commas to set off a "parenthetical aside", depending on the level of interruption and emphasis you want to create. Parentheses generally indicate the least disruptive insertion.

How does a "parenthetical aside" differ from a footnote?

A "parenthetical aside" is integrated directly into the text, providing immediate context, while a footnote appears at the bottom of the page or end of a document, offering more detailed or tangential information that would disrupt the flow if included directly in the text.