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The purpose of this Microsoft Word Tips & Microsoft Word Help page is to explain and provide examples of when to use parentheses in code statements and calls.

1. Each Sub or Function statement must as a minimum include empty parentheses ().  The parentheses in Sub or Function statements demark the parameters (or arguments) list.  If there are no arguments the parentheses are empty
:
• Sub ProcedureWithoutArgs()
  
  Function fcnWithoutArgs() as Long
  
  Sub PrecedureWithArgs(strName as string)
  
  Function fcnWithArgs(lngA as Long, lngBb As Long) as Long
2. Calls to functions that take arguments must include parentheses around the passed arguments:.
• Sub DemoMain()
  Dim lngSum as Long
    lngSum = fcnWithArgs(lngA:=5, lngB:=10)
    'or
    lngSum = fcnWithArgs(5, 10)
  End Sub
3. Parentheses are not used in direct calls to subs that take arguments:
• Sub DemoMain()
    ProcedureWithArgs strName:="Greg"
    'or
    ProcedureWithArgs "Greg"
  End Sub
4. However, parentheses are required in indirect calls (calls using the keyword Call) to subs that take arguments:
• Sub DemoMain()
    Call ProcedureWithArgs(strName:="Greg")
    'or
    Call ProcedureWithArgs("Greg")
  End Sub

Note:  I don't think I have ever used the Call keyword. You probably shouldn't either. Other than having to remember one rule instead of two, it makes no difference.

5. When dealing with methods of objects or VBA functions the use of parentheses depends on whether the method or function is returning a value (i.e., If =, set =, etc.):

Sub Demo()
  MsgBox "Fine as is. No parentheses required", vbOKOnly, "LOOK MOM NO PARENS"
  If MsgBox("Do you see how parentheses is required here?", _
             vbQuestion + vbYesNo, "PARENS REQUIRED") = vbYes Then
    MsgBox "There you go!"
  Else
    Beep
    MsgBox "Try again."
  End If
End Sub

See: Installing Macros for instructions on how to set up and use the macros provided in this Microsoft Word Help & Microsoft Word Tips page.

That's it! I hope you have found this tips page useful and informative.

This page was last updated on March 09, 2021

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