Diagnostic reference

Missing ) after argument list

Why the parser reports a missing parenthesis lines below the real mistake, and how to find the unclosed call.

Updated September 12, 2026

Apps Script error

SyntaxError: Missing ) after argument list

What it means

A parenthesis was opened and never closed, usually inside nested calls or a multiline argument list. The reported line is where the parser gave up, often below the missing parenthesis. In the Apps Script editor this error blocks saving and running, so you see it before any runtime error.

Related error messages

SyntaxError: missing ) after argument list

Before and after

The code before and after the fix.

Problem 1 changed line

function notify() {
  MailApp.sendEmail('team@example.com', 'Status', 'Done'
  Logger.log('sent');
}

Fixed 1 changed line

function notify() {
  MailApp.sendEmail('team@example.com', 'Status', 'Done');
  Logger.log('sent');
}

How to fix it

Find the MailApp.sendEmail call above the reported line.
Close its argument list with a parenthesis before starting Logger.log.
Check the grouping of any nested calls.

Things to check

Review the fix when calls are nested, because the intended grouping may differ.