Reply To: Variables in enclosures
Melissa,
Your analyses of the examples you mentioned in your last post are right on target.
Let’s be honest, it is not possible to tell at a glance whether a grouping sign is performing a punctuation role or a mathematical role; context is necessary to determine the sign’s meaning. Once you determine the sign’s meaning, you can decide whether or not to include it in Nemeth switch indicators.
Some circumstances in which grouping signs are performing a mathematical role include:
- solution set
- matrix/determinant
- enclosed list
The most common circumstance (by far) in which grouping signs are performing a punctuation role is:
- parenthetical aside
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. Please keep on doing so!
–Kyle