Punctuate Much? Not Really.
My blog on spelling got a lot of comments and some excuses. One reader reminded me I should have mentioned to, too and two. That’s one that many people get wrong and for the life of me I don’t know why.
Example: Give it to me.
I like it too. Too means also.
There are two of us. Not one, but two.
Kay Van Hoesen, founder of the website herewomentalk.com suggested we tackle punctuation. Her example really tickled me. She said:
How about punctuation? Are you familiar with the book “Eats, Shoots & Leaves?” 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,” read the entry for his assailant. “Large black and white mammal native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.”
Oh yes, I’m afraid we’re an odd bunch, those of us who care about punctuation and spelling. (Did I put my commas in the right place? Uh-oh, now I’m feeling a little insecure and paranoid.)