Complete Sentences Within Parentheses: Capitalize and Punctuate Inside
Parentheses
Rulebase Summary
Use complete sentences within parentheses for reporter notations. Capitalize the first word, use appropriate punctuation within the sentence, and enclose the end mark of punctuation within the closing parenthesis. Do not use introductory words or phrases such as 'whereupon,' 'at this point in time,' or 'at this time.'
Examples
A. (whereupon, the witness left the room)
A. (The witness left the room.)
No 'whereupon' — use a complete sentence with capital and period inside the closing parenthesis.
Q. What is his name? A. Kaleecha phonetic was the only name I knew.
Q. What is his name? A. Kaleecha (phonetic) was the only name I knew.
Use (phonetic) for an uncertain spelling.
Transcript Notes
The exception to using complete sentences is the rare one-word parentheticals like (phonetic), (as read), or (inaudible). These are used when every resource has been explored to confirm a correct spelling or to show an altered reading of a document, or to indicate that a speaker on a tape was unclear.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's