When writers insert or alter words in a direct quotation, square brackets—[ ]—are placed around the change. The brackets, always used in pairs, enclose words intended to clarify meaning, provide a brief explanation, or to help integrate the quote into the writer’s sentence. A common error writers make is to use parentheses in place of brackets. What punctuation should be used when words are inserted or altered in a direct quotation? When writers insert or alter words in a direct quotation, square brackets—[ ]—are placed around the change.