5 Cases of Mistaken Meaning Cured by a Comma

5 Cases of Mistaken Meaning Cured by a Comma 5 Cases of Mistaken Meaning Cured by a Comma 5 Cases of Mistaken Meaning Cured by a Comma By Mark Nichol A simple lesson about the strength of the mighty little comma can be learned by noting the difference in meaning that results depending on its presence or absence at the end of a parenthetical phrase. More specifically, in the types of sentences shown below, when an attributive phrase one that identifies the source of the information provided in the framing sentence is inserted in the midst of the sentence and a comma precedes the interjection but none follows it, what is said is often not equivalent to what is meant: 1. â€Å"Every nine years, it was decreed that the fragment must be conveyed to another place of sanctuary.† The point of this sentence is that an action is described as having occurred every nine years, and that this action was decreed. That latter detail is the content of the attributive phrase. But without a comma closing the interjection, the implication is that the decree was issued every nine years. However, what the sentence means is that a decree was issued requiring the action to occur every nine years that’s a much different idea, and this slightly revised sentence correctly expresses it: â€Å"Every nine years, it was decreed, the fragment must be conveyed to another place of sanctuary.† 2. â€Å"By the end of the century, estimates are that one in three people will be living in poverty.† This sentence is not as far afield from the intended meaning as the original sentence in the previous example, but it does suggest that such estimates will be released by the end of the century, rather than that current estimates predict the stated outcome. This revision states the point more clearly: â€Å"By the end of the century, estimates are, one in three people will be living in poverty.† 3. â€Å"Instead of embracing our civil rights future, the commission’s report says the Bush administration has begun backsliding into the past.† At first glance, this sentence seems to have the same not-quite-right structure of the second example, but it actually introduces a serious miscommunication. The suggestion is that the commission report, not the Bush administration, is failing to embrace our civil rights future, and that the commission is making the statement in place of that responsibility. The mere insertion of a comma sets the sentence right (in this case, an optional that is not included, so no deletion of same is necessary): â€Å"Instead of embracing our civil rights future, the commission’s report says, the Bush administration has begun backsliding into the past.† 4. â€Å"Up to my junior year at the University of Michigan, I am forced to admit that I had always tried to get A’s.† The writer, this sentence suggests, was forced to make an admission until reaching their third year of college, at which time the confession was no longer required (but in that case, am should be replaced by was). But the admission is parenthetical to a different thought, which is that the writer strove for the highest letter grade for only their first two years in higher education: â€Å"Up to my junior year at the University of Michigan, I am forced to admit, I had always tried to get A’s.† 5. â€Å"As far back as his childhood, he told me he had wanted to be a scientist.† As punctuated, this sentence tells the reader that the would-be scientist had shared his ambition with the writer since the other person had been a child. If this is what the writer means, the beginning of the second part of the sentence should include had (â€Å"he had told me†). But if the writer is relating what the other person had shared more recently about his childhood goal, a comma should follow me to set off the attributive phrase â€Å"he told me†: â€Å"As far back as his childhood, he told me, he had wanted to be a scientist.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:What Does [sic] Mean?225 Foreign Phrases to Inspire YouNominalized Verbs

Preparing for the Private School Interview

Preparing for the Private School Interview Private school interviews can be stressful. You are trying to impress the school and put your best foot forward. But, this doesnt have to be an interaction that makes you lose sleep at night. Here are some tips to make the interview go more smoothly. Research the School Beforehand ​If you really want  to attend a given school, be sure you know some basic information about the school before the interview. For example, you shouldn’t express surprise that the school doesn’t have a football team during the interview; thats the kind of information thats readily available online.  While you will find out more information on the tour and during the actual interview, be sure to read up on the school beforehand.  Make it clear that you know something about the school and are eager to attend by making such remarks as, â€Å"I know your school has an excellent music program. Can you tell me more about it?† Prepare for the Interview Practice makes perfect, and if youve never been interviewed by an adult before, this can be an intimidating experience. Its always a good idea to study potential questions they may ask you. You dont want to have scripted answers, but being comfortable talking off the cuff about given topics will be helpful.  Be sure you remember to say thank you and to shake hands with the admission officer at the end of the interview. Practice good posture and remember to make eye contact with your interviewer, too. Older students may also be expected to know about current events, so you might want to be sure that youre keeping up on whats happening in the world. Also be ready to talk about potential books, things that are happening at your current school, why youre considering a new school, and why you want that school in particular. Younger children may be asked to play with other children in the interview, so parents should be prepared to tell their child ahead of time what to expect and to follow rules for polite behavior. Dress Appropriately Find out what the school dress code is, and be sure to dress in attire that is similar to what  the students wear. Many private schools require students to wear button-down shirts, so don’t dress in a tee-shirt, which will look impolite and out-of-place on the day of the interview. If the school has a uniform, just wear something similar; you dont need to go buy a replica. Don’t Stress Out This goes for both parents and students.  Admissions staff at private schools are far too familiar with the child who is on the brink of tears on interview day because his parents have given him a bit too much advice- and stress- that morning. Parents, be sure to give your child a big hug before the interview and remind him- and yourself- that you are looking for the right school- not one you have to campaign to convince that your child is right for. Students need to remember to just be themselves. If youre the right fit for a school, then everything will come together. If not, then that just means there is a better school out there for you. When on the tour, be sure to respond to the guide politely. The tour is not the time to voice disagreement or surprise about anything you see- keep your negative thoughts to yourself. While it’s fine to ask questions, don’t make any overt value judgments about the school. Many times, tours are given by students, who may not have all the answers. Save those questions for the admission officer. Avoid Over-Coaching Private schools have become wary of students who have been coached by professionals for the interview. Applicants  should be natural and should not make up interests or talents that aren’t really innate. Don’t feign interest in reading if you haven’t picked up a pleasure reading book in years. Your insincerity will be quickly discovered and disliked by the admissions staff. Instead, you should be prepared to speak politely about what interests you- whether it’s basketball or chamber music- and then you will come across as genuine. Schools want to know the real you, not the perfectly poised version of you that you think they want to see. Common Interview Questions Here are some common questions you might be asked in private school interviews: Tell me a bit about your family? Describe the members of your family and their interests, but stay away from negative or overly personal stories. Family traditions, favorite family activities, or even vacations are great topics to share.Tell me about your interests? Do not fabricate interests; speak about your true talents and inspirations in a thoughtful and natural way.Tell me about the last book you read? Think ahead of time about some books you have read lately and what you liked or didn’t like about them. Avoid statements such as, â€Å"I didn’t like this book because it was too hard† and instead speak about the content of the books. Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski