Question

How does punctuation change meaning?

Answer 1

Punctuation groups words into conceptual blocks (that is groups that should be viewed as a unit).

Punctuation may also be use to give meaning by inflection.

Explanation:

Example 1: conceptual blocks
Without punctuation
`color(white)("XXX")`The doctor said the mayor is an idiot

With punctuation version A:
`color(white)("XXX")color(blue)("The doctor said,")`"`color(red)("the mayor is an idiot.")`"

With punctuation version B:
`color(white)("XXX")`"`color(blue)("The doctor,")`", `color(red)("said the mayor")`, "`color(blue)("is an idiot.")`"

Example 2: conceptual blocks (from a popular book on grammar)
`color(white)("XXX")color(brown)("Eats")color(green)(" shoots and leaves").`
`color(white)("XXXXXX")`Description of the eating habits of a pandas bear.

`color(white)("XXX")color(brown)("Eats"), color(purple)("shoots"), color(orange)("and leaves").`
`color(white)("XXXXXX")`The actions of a criminal in a restaurant.

Example 3a,b,c: meaning through inflection
`color(white)("XXX")`You are ready to go.
`color(white)("XXXXXX")`Simple observation or statement of fact.

`color(white)("XXX")`You are ready to go?
`color(white)("XXXXXX")`Query.

`color(white)("XXX")`You are ready to go!
`color(white)("XXXXXX")`Well, that was unexpected.