Example:
There were some German people standing behind him.
1. I could not understand Fred when he spoke German; people were behind him talking loudly.
2. I could not understand Fred when he spoke; German people were behind him talking loudly.
Exlanations: In the first sentence, Fred is speaking German. In the second sentence, the people behind Fred are Germans. Changing the punctuation has changed the meaning. Now try to work out how the meaning has changed with the punctuation in the following sentences.
1. Here; we have exercises about punctuation.
Correct punctuation: Here we have exercises about punctuation.
2. This sentence look's correct, but is it?
Correct punctuation: This sentence looks correct, but is it?
3. Some of these sentences have punctuation errors.
The sentence is correct.
4. Others are correct; but do you know which ones?
The sentence is correct.
5. If you dont know, go back and read ex.1 again.
Correct punctuation: If you don't know, go back and read ex.1 again.
6. This will help you to learn punctuation.
The sentence is correct.
7. But if its any help, many English people punctuate poorly.
Correct punctuation: But if it's any help, many English people punctuate poorly.
8. So, if you make many mistakes, you are not alone.
The sentence is correct.
9. But proper punctuation is an important part of learning English
Correct punctuation: But proper punctuation is an important part of learning English.
10. So keep practicing, and you'll quickly improve.
The sentence is correct.
