Question

which sentences correctly use parentheses? select two options.
we went to the state fair (held in the state capital) for the first time this year.
for my birthday, my parents got me tickets to hamilton (my favorite musical!).
my sister has homework for three classes tonight (math, english, and biology).
the student body voted to select (the person) who would get the best teacher award.
(when he made the hot chocolate) my brother left out the most important ingredient.

Explanation:

• In the first sentence, the parentheses are used to add extra information (where the state fair was held) without disrupting the main sentence.
• In the second sentence, the parentheses add an exclamation about the musical being the favorite, enhancing the description.
• The third sentence: parentheses here are redundant as the list of classes is part of the main idea (homework for three classes) and not truly supplementary.
• The fourth sentence: the parentheses are misused as "the person" is essential to the meaning (selecting a person for the award) and not just extra info.
• The fifth sentence: parentheses at the start make the sentence structure awkward; the introductory clause should not be in parentheses.

Answer:

• We went to the state fair (held in the state capital) for the first time this year.
• For my birthday, my parents got me tickets to Hamilton (my favorite musical!).