We have all probably heard the expression ‘put it in writing!’ Whatever its origin, its use implies the need to ensure there can be no misinterpretation or denial of the message being delivered; that the information contained is clear and unambiguous and that the recipient can rely completely on the content.
Such a need is present wherever important or official communication is taking place, and that covers most aspects of our daily life.
However, the mere act of ‘putting something in writing’ alone, does not guarantee the desired result – i.e. ruling out any misunderstanding. This only comes with the correct application of grammar – the set of rules that governs good writing.
A breathtaking example of this was a case in Canada in 2006, where a misplaced comma cost a cable television company more than $2m because a court ruled it changed the meaning of their contract with another firm.
In another scenario, in 2007, officials representing the nations of the world at the Bali Climate Change talks, spent two hours debating the insertion/deletion of a comma, such was its powerful potential effect on the meaning of a document.
Clearly, correct and appropriate punctuation matters. With it, there can only be one interpretation. Without it, there could be many and the ensuing mayhem could be both expensive and disastrous.
Such a need is present wherever important or official communication is taking place, and that covers most aspects of our daily life.
However, the mere act of ‘putting something in writing’ alone, does not guarantee the desired result – i.e. ruling out any misunderstanding. This only comes with the correct application of grammar – the set of rules that governs good writing.
A breathtaking example of this was a case in Canada in 2006, where a misplaced comma cost a cable television company more than $2m because a court ruled it changed the meaning of their contract with another firm.
In another scenario, in 2007, officials representing the nations of the world at the Bali Climate Change talks, spent two hours debating the insertion/deletion of a comma, such was its powerful potential effect on the meaning of a document.
Clearly, correct and appropriate punctuation matters. With it, there can only be one interpretation. Without it, there could be many and the ensuing mayhem could be both expensive and disastrous.