What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parenthetical
Example
The parenthetical phrase, 'in my opinion,' adds a personal touch to the sentence. [parenthetical: adjective]
Example
She made a parenthetical remark about the weather before returning to the main topic. [parenthetical: noun]
incidental
Example
The noise from the street was incidental to the conversation. [incidental: adjective]
Example
The painting in the background was just an incidental detail. [incidental: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incidental is more commonly used than parenthetical in everyday language. Incidental is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while parenthetical is less common and refers specifically to language or writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between parenthetical and incidental?
Both parenthetical and incidental can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, parenthetical may be more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while incidental may be more commonly used in casual conversation or storytelling.
