Lynne Truss, in her book "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," highlights the significance of punctuation marks like colons and semicolons in language. These marks are not merely ornamental; they add structure and clarity to writing. Their proper use can enhance the overall quality of communication, making it more effective and expressive.

Truss whimsically suggests that while colons and semicolons may seem pretentious, they play an essential role in conveying meaning and nuance. Without these punctuation marks, language would lack precision and elegance, underscoring their importance in effective writing.