What makes this email so special?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Evo
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion highlights the critical role of punctuation in shaping meaning and clarity in writing. Two letters addressed to "Dear John" illustrate how slight changes in punctuation can completely alter the message conveyed. The first letter expresses deep affection, while the second, with misplaced punctuation, conveys a starkly different sentiment. Participants emphasize that punctuation can lead to humorous misunderstandings, as demonstrated by a joke involving a panda and a wildlife manual. The conversation also touches on the entertaining aspects of punctuation, referencing the book "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" by Lynne Truss, which explores the significance of punctuation in language. Additionally, there are playful exchanges about the complexity of punctuation in sentences, showcasing how it can change interpretations and lead to confusion. Overall, the thread underscores that punctuation is not merely a technical aspect of writing but a vital component that influences communication.
  • #31
Chi Meson said:
Punctuate this!

The following CAN make a proper sentence.

John where Jim had had had had had had had had had had had the best effect on the teacher.
Is this correct?
John, where Jim had had 'had', had had 'had had'; 'had had' had had the best effect on the teacher.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
arildno said:
Is this correct?
John, where Jim had had 'had', had had 'had had'; 'had had' had had the best effect on the teacher.

This is what I had suggested, but I'm not especially happy with it. I'm sure Chi has a better answer.
 
  • #33
Oops, sorry for nicking your semi-colon idea Gokul..:redface:
 
  • #34
Gokul43201 said:
This is what I had suggested, but I'm not especially happy with it. I'm sure Chi has a better answer.

Uh, no. THat's about it. I didn't say it was a great sentence. I came up with that in the seventh grade (1977), although I don't think it was entirely original. We were learning the past-perfect tense, and my friends and I tried to see haw many "had"s we could string together.
 

Similar threads

News Do You Know Why Trump is Popular?
  • · Replies 340 ·
12
Replies
340
Views
31K
Book Review: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
7K
So what are dreams made of? How do they differ from our waking reality?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
How to make your ideas reach people?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Why do so many people hate science?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
11K
What Makes a Father Irreplaceable?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Drawing diagrams in physics is so difficult for me!
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
A Frightful Trip To Heaven: Three Men's Tales
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
What is it about ice that makes it so reflective?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Help, I've fallen for an astrophysicst
  • · Replies 89 ·
3
Replies
89
Views
14K