Brackets vs. Braces — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 6, 2023
Brackets vs. Braces: Brackets are punctuation marks used within text [ ], while braces are curly punctuation marks used in sets or to group items { }. Both help organize and clarify content.
Difference Between Brackets and Braces
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In American English, the term "brackets" commonly refers to square brackets [ ]. Braces, on the other hand, resemble curly punctuation marks { } and are also termed curly brackets in some contexts.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Brackets and braces are both punctuation marks with distinct shapes and purposes. While brackets are rectangular and usually enclose additional information or clarification within text, braces are curly and often group multiple items or sets together.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Both brackets and braces are used in mathematics, but they have different roles. Brackets might indicate intervals or lists, while braces often signify sets or the grouping of equations.
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Oct 06, 2023
Brackets are frequently used in literature or journalism to enclose words added by someone other than the original author. Braces, however, are less common in general prose, often reserved for more technical or mathematical contexts.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
In the realm of programming, the use of brackets and braces varies by language. For instance, in many languages, braces define blocks of code, while brackets might be used to denote array indices or list comprehensions.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Common Use
Enclose additional info or clarification
Group multiple items or sets
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Oct 06, 2023
Role in Mathematics
Indicate intervals or lists
Signify sets or grouping of equations
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Oct 06, 2023
Usage in Programming
Denote array indices or list comprehensions
Define blocks of code in many languages
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Oct 06, 2023
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Definitions
Brackets
Rectangular punctuation marks used to enclose information.
He went to the store [the one downtown].
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Sep 27, 2023
Braces
Pairs of like objects or items.
A pair of birds can be termed a brace of birds.
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Sep 27, 2023
Brackets
Employed in some programming languages for array indices.
The value is stored in array[index].
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
Braces
Curly punctuation marks used to group items or sets.
The set of natural numbers is {1, 2, 3, ...}.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
Brackets
Tools in literature to indicate editorial comments or additions.
She said, I am going [to the store] now.
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Sep 27, 2023
Braces
Utilized in programming to define blocks of code.
In JavaScript, function blocks are defined using { }.
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Sep 27, 2023
Brackets
A simple rigid structure in the shape of an L, one arm of which is fixed to a vertical surface, the other projecting horizontally to support a shelf or other weight.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
Orthodontic devices to align or straighten teeth.
She wore braces for two years to fix her overbite.
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Sep 27, 2023
Braces
Supports or fasteners in construction or architecture.
The shelf is held up by two metal braces.
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Sep 27, 2023
Brackets
(Architecture) A decorative or weight-bearing structural unit, two sides of which form a right angle with one arm flush against a wall and the other flush beneath a projecting surface, such as eaves or a bay window.
Fiza Rafique
Jan 09, 2022
Braces
A device that holds or fastens two or more parts together or in place; a clamp.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
A device, such as a supporting beam in a building or a connecting wire or rope, that steadies or holds something else erect.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
An orthopedic appliance used to support, align, or hold a bodily part in the correct position.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
Often braces A dental appliance constructed of bands and wires that is fixed to the teeth to correct irregular alignment.
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Jan 09, 2022
Brackets
A classification or grouping, especially within a sequence of numbers or grades, as a category of incomes sharing the same tax rate.
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Jan 09, 2022
Brackets
A treelike diagram showing the matchups between competitors in different rounds of a tournament.
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Jan 09, 2022
Brackets
The distance between two impacting shells, the first aimed beyond a target and the second aimed short of it, used to determine the range for artillery fire.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
(Nautical)A rope by which a yard is swung and secured on a square-rigged ship.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
A cranklike handle with an adjustable aperture at one end for securing and turning a bit.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
(Music)A leather loop that slides to change the tension on the cord of a drum.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
A vertical line, usually accompanied by the symbol {, connecting two or more staffs.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
A symbol, { or }, enclosing two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.
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Jan 09, 2022
Brackets
To fire beyond and short of (a target) in order to determine artillery range.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
(Mathematics)Either of a pair of symbols, { }, used to indicate aggregation or to clarify the grouping of quantities when parentheses and square brackets have already been used. Also called bracket.
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Jan 09, 2022
Brackets
Indicators for intervals in mathematics.
The interval [2, 5] includes all numbers between 2 and 5.
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Sep 27, 2023
Brackets
Marks used in citations to indicate direct references.
According to Smith [15], the results were conclusive.
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Sep 27, 2023
Braces
To prepare or position so as to be ready for impact or danger
Union members braced themselves for a confrontation with management.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
To invigorate; stimulate
"The freshness of the September morning inspired and braced him" (Thomas Hardy).
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
(orthodontics) A device worn on the teeth to straighten them.
Susy has to go to the dentist to see if she needs braces.
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Jan 09, 2022
Braces
(British) A pair of straps crossing one's shoulders and extending down to one's trousers, where a clip or button arrangement allows them to affix to the trousers, ensuring that they will not fall off (US: suspenders).
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Jan 09, 2022
FAQs
Can braces refer to orthodontic devices?
Yes, braces are devices used to align or straighten teeth.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Are brackets and braces the same thing?
No, brackets are rectangular [ ] and braces are curly { }.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
What is the primary role of braces in programming?
Braces, in many languages, define blocks of code.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Are braces used often in general writing?
Braces are less common in prose and more frequent in technical or mathematical contexts.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Can brackets be used to enclose a word added by an editor?
Yes, brackets often indicate words added by someone other than the original author.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Is "[ ]" the universal representation of brackets?
In American English, yes. But in British English, "brackets" can refer to what Americans call "parentheses."
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Oct 06, 2023
Are braces ever called "curly brackets"?
Yes, in some contexts, braces are termed curly brackets.
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Oct 06, 2023
What's the difference between braces and parentheses?
Braces group items or sets { }, while parentheses enclose additional information or clarification ( ).
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Oct 06, 2023
Are there other types of brackets besides square brackets?
Yes, there are also angle brackets <> and curly brackets or braces {}.
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Oct 06, 2023
How are brackets used in mathematical intervals?
They can represent inclusive intervals, like [2, 5], which includes both 2 and 5.
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Oct 06, 2023
Do all programming languages use braces in the same way?
No, the use of braces varies by programming language.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
In construction, what role do braces play?
Braces act as supports or fasteners, often adding stability.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Can braces be used in literature?
It's rare, but braces can be used to indicate a list of equal choices or options.
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Oct 06, 2023
Can brackets indicate direct references in citations?
Yes, especially in certain citation styles where a number within brackets references a source.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
