Although I wouldn’t describe myself as a grammar Nazi, there are times when I think it’s important to observe certain fundamental rules. As for punctuation, while I prefer to take a minimalist approach, I wouldn’t describe myself as a dogmatist on this front either. The Walrus has posted a couple good pieces that frame the comma debate. See Kay Armitage’s “Gertrude Stein’s Radical Grammar” in the Feb 2007 issue, and Paul Wilson’s “For Want of a Comma” in the April/May 2004. Style is important, and ambiguity is often desirable. But sometimes the need for clear meaning trumps both, particularly when personal safety is at stake. Consider the sign which my neighbours post at the foot of their driveway: SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY. Without a comma, what are we to think?
