Unstructured Specifications from Everyday Speech

Each of the following statements has at least two different meanings due to lack of proper punctuation. For each statement, suggest two different punctuations, each giving the statement a different meaning.

1. I'm going to be working on that report just the way you showed me on Tuesday.

2. I'll pay you $10 and I'll buy you a book or I'll buy you a meal.

3. If you are not tired read this report otherwise finish all your work and clean up your desk.

4. A woman without her man is nothing.

Fresno Bee Headline:

5. Hoover High grads celebrate school’s first commencement at the Save Mart Center.

 

 

Margaret Anglin

 

Minnie Maddern Fiske

 

 

Margaret Anglin’s note for Mrs. Fiske:

6. Margaret Anglin says Mrs. Fiske is the best actress in America

How can Mrs. Fiske return the compliment by punctuating the above statement?

 

7.

8.

What was meant: "All foreign fruit-plants are free from duty,"

What was written: "All foreign fruit, plants are free from duty."

The above error, committed by a federal clerk, cost the U.S. federal government $2 million before a new session of Congress could correct it.

9.

Musharraf speaks on terrorism at Stanford (Associated Press, January 17, 2009)

(What if it was: "President Bush speaks on terrorism in Pakistan"?!)

10. Fresno Bee Headline: "Fresno Victim Advocates ............." Complete the sentence.

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"Fresno Victim Advocates Discuss Human Trafficking."

To avoid the problem: Victim Advocates ==> Victim-Advocates