While we look in horror at a badly punctuated sign, the world carries on around us, blind to our plight. We are like the little boy in who can see dead people, except that we can see dead punctuation. Whisper it in petrified little-boy tones: dead punctuation is invisible to everyone else - yet we see it .
In her book "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," Lynne Truss dives into the world of punctuation, highlighting how many people overlook its proper use. While some may find themselves horrified by poorly punctuated signs, the rest of the world seems indifferent, continuing on without a second thought. This disconnect resembles the experience of a child who sees things others cannot, as those attuned to punctuation errors are acutely aware of their prevalence.
Truss emphasizes that this "dead punctuation" is a hidden ailment of language, one that escapes the notice of the majority. Her passionate exploration of this topic serves as a call to recognize the importance of punctuation in communication. Even if it goes unrecognized by most, those who care about grammar and punctuation see the mistakes glaringly, creating a sense of urgency to address this issue in writing.