Honorary president: Judith Butcher Honorary vice-president: David Crystal OBE
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Media release: 22 December 2005
'Tis the season of goodwill (and misplaced punctuation?)
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), in conjunction with BBC News Magazine, provides a seasonal reminder that attention to punctuation in your 'thank-you' letters can make all the difference.
Dear Aunty Grace,
What a surprise to receive a nice gift from you when I had not sent you my new address. I had thought you would not be able to send a present this year. Wasting good money at this time of year, it is common for people to send presents that are far too big, like those giant toy clowns. You always insist on sending me great presents, like this year's. Our incredible walks on Xmas day were particularly fun this year. Without you too much food and drink was consumed in haste.
Rebecca
Dear Aunty Grace,
What a surprise! To receive a nice gift from you! When I had not sent you my new address I had thought you would not be able to send a present this year - wasting good money. At this time of year it is common for people to send presents that are far too big, like those giant toy clowns you always insist on sending me. Great presents like this year's are incredible! Walks on Xmas day were particularly fun this year without you. Too much food and drink was consumed.
In haste,
Rebecca
It may seem trivial, but punctuation serves a purpose – to convey exactly what you really mean. A misplaced comma or a sentence prematurely terminated can leave the reader bemused. Using the wrong word can alter your meaning significantly and confuse your audience – although, of course, in some cases it can cause a great deal of amusement.
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), in association with BBC News Magazine, challenges you to write a thank-you letter with two meanings. Just use the same words – or words that sound the same – but change the punctuation. It's harder than you think.
Penny Williams, SfEP Chair, says: 'Why do grocers keep such a large stock of apostrophes? Is it better to dangle or hang a participle, and in either case what is the best way to do it? Why do widows and orphans come in for so much stick? Do you need an axe to split an infinitive? All these questions and more could be answered by a good editor or proofreader. I hope you'll enjoy our seasonal challenge, and if you want to know more about the SfEP, visit our website at www.sfep.org.uk.'
The twin aims of the SfEP are to promote high editorial standards in all writing intended for public use and to achieve recognition of its members' professional status. It works to further these aims by disseminating information and advice; running a range of training courses; fostering good relations between its members and their clients; and helping professional editors and proofreaders to meet others in their field.
Note
Details of the SfEP 'Thank You' challenge will appear on the BBC News Magazine website on Tuesday, 27 December. Anyone can enter. Each letter should be no longer than 100 words.
