Punctuation helps make meaning clear and reading easier. It helps others understand our writing and gives the reader clues and special information. Punctuation separates one group of words from another and helps us make sense of what we read.

The punctuation in these Dear John letters changes the meaning completely:

Dear John,

I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, and thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we're apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?

Gloria

Dear John,

I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, and thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you, I have no feelings whatsoever when we're apart. I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?

Gloria