Question

Choose the correct response (// represents a pause).

In which sentence is Mr. Rogers likely to be in trouble?
Mr. Rogers // the secretary // is two hours late.
Mr. Rogers // the secretary is two hours late.

Choose the correct response (// represents a pause).

Which would the Post Office be unlikely to deliver?

Should I stick the postage on myself?
Should I stick the postage on // myself?

Choose the correct response (// represents a pause).

Which headline would please the governor more?

COLLEGE HEAD QUITS//CRITICIZING GOVERNOR.
COLLEGE HEAD QUITS CRITICIZING GOVERNOR.

Choose the correct response (// represents a pause).

Both may be bad table manners, but which is harder to do?

Do not break your bread or roll in your soup.
Do not break your bread//or roll in your soup.

Choose the correct response (// represents a pause).

Which expresses greater regret?

I'm sorry you can't come with us.
I'm sorry//You can't come with us.

Answer 1

Correct use of punctuation and pauses can change the meaning of sentences in English, creating nuances that affect their interpretation. For instance, a pause after 'Mr. Rogers' suggests that he is the secretary who is late. Using these correctly can help convey the intent more accurately, whether it is to show regret or clarity about someone being late.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of pauses, punctuation, and correct word choice in English sentences can significantly alter their meaning. Understanding these elements is crucial for effective communication. Here are explanations for the provided sentences:

• For the question about Mr. Rogers, 'Mr. Rogers // the secretary is two hours late.' implies that Mr. Rogers is the secretary and he is two hours late, which could indicate Mr. Rogers is in trouble for being late.
• Regarding the Post Office delivery, 'Should I stick the postage on // myself?' suggests a question about self-adhesive stamps. However, the Post Office would be unlikely to deliver if you stuck the stamps on your body, making the sentence amusingly incorrect.
• In the governor's headline preference, 'COLLEGE HEAD QUITS CRITICIZING GOVERNOR.' would please the governor more as it suggests the college head has stopped criticizing the governor which is a positive outcome for the governor.
• Concerning table manners, 'Do not break your bread//or roll in your soup.' is harder to do literally, but the example with the pause is grammatically correct and suggests not to break both your bread and your roll in your soup, making it relatively more challenging in terms of etiquette.
• Finally, expressing greater regret is achieved by the sentence 'I'm sorry//You can't come with us.' as the pause places emphasis on the regretful statement that the other person cannot join, highlighting personal regret.

Answer 2

The correct ones would be:

1. Mr. Rogers // the secretary // is two hours late.

2. Should I stick the postage on // myself?

3. COLLEGE HEAD QUITS CRITICIZING GOVERNOR.

4. Do not break your bread//or roll in your soup.

5. I'm sorry you can't come with us.

Hope this helps!

:)