parenthetically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parenthetically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to add a comment or explanation that is not essential to the main point, often set off by parentheses. Example: "The meeting, parenthetically, was scheduled for next week, but it may be postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Officially known as the Republic of the Congo, the country is often called Congo (Brazzaville), with its capital added parenthetically, to distinguish it from neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is often referred to by its acronym, the DRC, or called Congo (Kinshasa).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout this article the orders or families are given, usually parenthetically, following the vernacular or scientific name of a plant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It should be mentioned parenthetically that the field concept also plays (in varied forms) a pivotal role in modern theories of particles and forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The country is often referred to by its acronym, the DRC, or called Congo (Kinshasa), with the capital added parenthetically, to distinguish it from the other Congo republic, which is officially called the Republic of the Congo and is often referred to as Congo (Brazzaville).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, I've come to believe after many years of working in America's political process — I would add parenthetically add that I'm a recovering politician now, on about step nine — I've come to see it and the world's political system as having at least one thing in common with the climate system: it's non-linear.

The New Yorker

(I remember, parenthetically, interviewing the great Eritrean-born marathoner Meb Keflezighi about what it felt like to race against the great Ethiopian marathoners, and all of a sudden his normally sunny disposition turned deadly serious. Do not underestimate the bad blood in some of these national rivalries).

The New Yorker

He adds, parenthetically, that "neither The New York Times, The New Yorker nor New York Magazine ran a word about 'Opening Night' during the entire time Cassavetes was in the city to set up the screenings nor during the film's release".

The New Yorker

And I think this has been an endemic problem, parenthetically, in the clean-tech space, which has attracted a lot of very talented people who believe they're making the world a better place".

The New Yorker

Parenthetically, it's impossible for me not to sympathize with him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It seems we have something to learn from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose concurring opinion today in Holt v Hobbs, a religious liberty case involving a Muslim inmate's beard, came in at 65 words, including references and parentheticals.

The Economist

Its redacted form leaves out several disclaimers, notably the parenthetical phrase "even though there is nothing fabulous [about] me .The early testimony contained few surprises.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "parenthetically" to insert non-essential but relevant information, enhancing context without disrupting the main flow.

Common error

Avoid using "parenthetically" too frequently, as it can clutter your writing and detract from your primary argument. Ensure that parenthetical information truly adds value and isn't merely a distraction.

How to use

Learn how to use "parenthetically" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "parenthetically" is to act as an adverb, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that the information is added as an aside. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples where "parenthetically" introduces supplementary information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "parenthetically" is a versatile adverb used to introduce supplementary information or asides in writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions to add context or clarification without disrupting the main flow of the text. Its usage spans across various domains, most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias, and science, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using "parenthetically", ensure that the added information enhances the overall understanding and doesn't detract from the primary message. Ludwig provides a plethora of examples demonstrating its correct and effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in parenthesis

Specifically refers to information enclosed within parentheses.

in brackets

Similar to "in parenthesis", referring to enclosed information.

as a side note

This phrase directly indicates supplementary information.

as an aside

This alternative emphasizes the digressive nature of the added information.

incidentally

This alternative suggests that the information is tangentially related.

by the way

This alternative is more informal and conversational.

in passing

This alternative highlights the brief and non-emphatic nature of the comment.

as a digression

Highlights a temporary departure from the main topic.

on a related note

This alternative suggests a thematic connection, though not central.

by the by

An archaic and somewhat whimsical way to introduce an aside.

FAQs

How can I use "parenthetically" in a sentence?

"Parenthetically" is used to introduce a side comment or explanation that is not essential to the main point. For example: "The meeting, parenthetically, was scheduled for next week."

What phrases are similar to "parenthetically"?

You can use alternatives like "as an aside", "incidentally", or "as a side note" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "parenthetically"?

Use "parenthetically" when you want to add extra information that clarifies or supplements the main point but isn't crucial for understanding it. It's often used to provide context or a brief explanation.

What is the difference between using parentheses and "parenthetically"?

Using parentheses is a grammatical tool to enclose supplementary information. "Parenthetically" is an adverb that explicitly signals the presence of such supplementary information, often at the beginning of the clause.