Commas are important!
If you question that statement, read Lynn Truss's picture book Eats, Shoots and Leaves. Each two-page spread has the same sentence. Well, each sentence has the same words, but the meanings are very different, depending on whether there are commas or not.
Here is one example:
"Look at that huge hot dog!"
"Look at that huge, hot dog!"
See the change in meaning just because of one seemingly inconsequential mark?
This book is simple, but it makes you think. In case you need a nudge to see the difference between the two sentences, the humorous illustrations and the explanations at the back of the book will help you.
Hand this book to your kids. Let it subtly convince them that commas really are important in conveying meaning.
If you question that statement, read Lynn Truss's picture book Eats, Shoots and Leaves. Each two-page spread has the same sentence. Well, each sentence has the same words, but the meanings are very different, depending on whether there are commas or not.
Here is one example:
"Look at that huge hot dog!"
"Look at that huge, hot dog!"
See the change in meaning just because of one seemingly inconsequential mark?
This book is simple, but it makes you think. In case you need a nudge to see the difference between the two sentences, the humorous illustrations and the explanations at the back of the book will help you.
Hand this book to your kids. Let it subtly convince them that commas really are important in conveying meaning.
Following the same pattern:
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