Brackets allow the insertion of editorial material inside quotations.
Clarification
If the original material includes a noun or pronoun that is unclear, brackets can be used for clarification.
Examples:
The scientist stated that “the results were conclusive, and the data [from the latest experiment] supports this claim.”
In her review, the critic noted, “The film’s ending [which was controversial] received mixed reactions.”
The coach was heard saying, “I never thought we’d have a player like [star forward] Alex.”
When used in this way, the bracketed information should be an addition, not a substitution. For example, if the original quotation is “He never replied,” do not change it to “[John] never replied.” Instead, write: “He [John] never replied.”
Note: Many newspapers ignore this rule. In professional and academic writing, it is better to follow it.
In many cases, brackets can be avoided by reframing the quotation.
Awkward Example:
“Why can’t we have a similar approach [to environmental policies] here?” she asked.
Recast Example:
Referring to environmental policies in other countries, she asked, “Why can’t we have a similar approach here?”
Translation
If a quotation includes a foreign word or phrase that might not be understood, provide a translation in brackets. (Use parentheses for translations of unquoted material.)
Example:
The artist explained, “The sculpture reflects my feelings about the city—la beauté [the beauty] of its architecture.”
Indicating a Change in Capitalization
In most contexts, it is acceptable to silently change the first letter of quoted material from uppercase to lowercase, or vice versa. In certain contexts, such changes must be indicated with brackets.
Examples:
“[W]e must adapt to the changing environment to succeed.”
According to the guidelines, the “[p]roject deadline is non-negotiable.”
Indicating Errors
The Latin term sic, meaning “so” or “thus,” is used to indicate an error or confirm an unusual usage in the original material. Without sic, a reader might wonder if the error was made by the writer offering the quotation. Note that sic, as a foreign term, should be italicized, but the brackets containing it should not.
Example:
The study concluded that “the primary issue was [sic] funding, which was inadequate.”
As an alternative, you can reframe the quotation to eliminate the error.
Example:
“The primary issue was funding, which was inadequate,” stated the researcher.
If you suspect, but are not certain of, an error in the original material, a bracketed guess and question mark is appropriate.
Example:
“The artist seems to draw inspiration from the Baroque [Rococo?] style.”
Emphasis
If you use italics to emphasize a portion of the quotation, indicate the change in brackets.
Example:
The researcher noted that “the findings were particularly significant [emphasis added] in the context of climate change.”
An alternative approach is to note the emphasis outside the quotation, in parentheses, either as a separate sentence immediately after the sentence containing the quotation:
Example:
The researcher noted that “the findings were particularly significant in the context of climate change.” (Emphasis added.)
Or as a parenthetical note added to the end of the sentence containing the quotation:
Example:
The researcher noted that “the findings were particularly significant in the context of climate change” (emphasis added).
Censoring Objectionable Content
If the original material contains language you deem inappropriate for your audience, brackets can be used to remove it.
Example:
She said he should “take a [expletive] hike.”
Parenthetical within Parenthetical
In the rare event that parentheses are required within parentheses, use brackets instead. This is one of the few uses of brackets outside of quotations.
Correct Example:
The seminar will cover recent developments in physics (including theories about black holes [published in 2020]).
Incorrect Example:
The seminar will cover recent developments in physics (including theories about black holes (published in 2020)).
If the material being quoted already contains brackets, this should be noted.
Example:
The researcher found that “many participants noted that ‘the outcomes [of the study] were surprising’” (Brackets in original).