Did the grand idea behind Little Red Riding Hood develop because of bad grammar? Was Hannibal Lecter created because of a simple misplaced comma?  Let's explore.

In a past blog I discussed the difference that a space could make.  Today I’ll demonstrate the difference that a comma can make.  The word comma comes directly from the Greek word komma (κόμμα), which means something cut off or a short clause.

There are many uses for the simple comma.  For example, it can be used to separate items on a list, to separate a clause, with certain adverbs, to separate phrases, between adjectives, dates, before quotes and more.  It can also be used where ambiguity might otherwise arise. The cartoon below illustrates that a comma can not only save grandma’s life, but prevent some serious indigestion.

 “Let’s eat Grandma” versus “Let’s eat, Grandma.”