Brackets allow you to insert your own words into quoted material. You can insert words in brackets to clarify a confusing reference or to keep a sentence grammatical in the context of your own writing.

According to Albert Castel, “It can be reasonably argued that he [Forrest] was justified in believing that the approaching steamships intended to aid the garrison [at Fort Pillow].”⁷

To indicate an error in a quotation, insert [sic], italicized and in brackets, right after the error.

If you use [sic] to indicate an error in your quoted source, be very certain that it truly is an error and that you know the correct form.

If a source is filled with errors or unconventional spelling or grammar, as is the case with many historical documents, this use of [sic] can become distracting and is best avoided. Readers will recognize that the incorrect or unconventional language is part of the original source. Be very careful when transcribing to be true to the source text.