A panda walked into a cafe. He ordered a sandwich, ate it, then pulled out a gun and shot the waiter. 'Why?' groaned the injured man. The panda shrugged, tossed him a badly punctuated wildlife manual and walked out. And sure enough, when the waiter consulted the book, he found an explanation. 'Panda,' ran the entry for his assailant. 'Large black and white mammal native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.'
This is an excerpt from a book entitled "Eats, Shoots and Leaves: A Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation", written by Lynne Truss. The excerpt shows us how big of a difference punctuation makes in sentences. Though seemingly simple, using punctuation marks properly could be very confusing. We could easily forget how and when to use them. I suggest we don't take punctuation for granted. It could spell the difference between "We are going to eat Grandfather" and "We are going to eat, Grandfather."
-Jonathan Kenn S. Palo
Reference:
ReplyDeleteTruss, L. 2003. Eats, Shoots and Leaves: A Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Profile Books. UK
I agree that punctuation play a vital role in the construction of a sentence. A simple period or comma that is misplaced would alter the meaning of the sentence, so be careful when placing these punctuation because they maybe small and simple but they still play a role.
ReplyDeletePunctuation is important in writing. It can also be a test if a student has a good knowledge in sentence structure. Sentences may change in meaning if one uses improper punctuation.
ReplyDelete-Angenica Martirez
It could spell the difference between "We are going to eat Grandfather" and "We are going to eat, Grandfather."
ReplyDeleteThis is funny.
Correct punctuation is vital in writing.
Your post is very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI know a person who doesn't use punctuation marks in text messages. Although people are not so conscious about their grammar in text messages, punctuation mark is still important. I find it hard to read her messages because I don't know where and when to stop reading. Moreover, I often think that she is mad because her voice in the text message is dull. Punctuation helps reading the writer's mood.
ReplyDeletePunctuation marks are very important in constructing sentences not only in formal writing but also in the informal ones (which includes text messages). If you don't mind, I like to share this to illustrate how punctuations can change the meaning of a sentence (a friend posted it as her FB status this afternoon):
ReplyDelete"A woman, without her man, is nothing." VS "A woman: without her, man is nothing." :)
We should properly use punctuation in order for the readers to understand our sentences.
ReplyDeleteI agree this sentence that you posted: "I suggest we don't take punctuation for granted."
ReplyDeletePunctuation marks are markers that directs our sentences to the meaning that we really want to convey.
Your post entertained me. Punctuation marks really make a difference!
ReplyDeleteWe should be really careful in placing punctuation marks in a sentence.
ReplyDeleteWe should always be careful with our punctuation. It makes our sentence express its thought clearly.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, proper punctuation is very important. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Atan, very entertaining. :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love your example Kerstein Joy. ;)
Punctuation marks are not just punctuation marks. It gives impact on any writing. Manipulating them changes the meaning of a thought. To use punctuations properly is a significant skill for anybody who wants to write successfully.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed! Punctuation marks have the power to change the meaning of a sentence.
ReplyDelete