Question

Question 3: Read the following anecdote and then answer the question: An English professor asked his students to punctuate the following sentence: A woman without her man is nothing. All of the males in the class wrote: A woman, without her man, is nothing. All of the females in the class wrote: A woman: without her, man is nothing. In 3-5 sentences, explain how this anecdote demonstrates the importance of punctuation. Then, come up with your own example of how the meaning of a sentence can change based upon what punctuation is used. (4 points)

Answer 1

This anecdote highlights the crucial role punctuation plays in conveying meaning and intention in written language. The contrasting interpretations of the same sentence by male and female students illustrate how punctuation can completely alter the perceived message. While one version implies that a woman is dependent on her man, the other emphasizes the independence of women, suggesting that men are less significant without women.

For example, the sentence "Let's eat, Grandma!" implies inviting Grandma to eat together, while "Let's eat Grandma!" suggests something quite different—cannibalism! This shift in meaning entirely hinges on the placement of the comma, underscoring the power of punctuation in shaping our understanding of written communication.