Humor Quote by Conor Lastowka
““The Times once published an unintentionally humorous description of a Peter Ustinov documentary, noting that “highlights of his global tour include encounters with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demigod and a dildo collector”. This is ambiguous as it stands, and would still be ambiguous if a serial comma were added, as Mandela could then be mistaken for a demigod.””
About This Quote
Source Blog Post: Grammar Ambiguity, 2020
A list with multiple items can become unclear without proper punctuation, leading to misinterpretation of who is being described.
In simple terms: Missing commas cause confusion.
Key Takeaway
Clarify lists with commas.
Themes
grammar
clarity
communication
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
instructional
explanatory
When to use this quote
- editing
- technical writing
- publishing
Key Concepts
punctuation rules
ambiguity resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure list items are distinct?
- When is a serial comma essential?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on commas may not fix all ambiguities.
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