14 Apr 2009
Used correctly, punctuation can often be the difference between a blah blah statement and a really powerful headline. Take this sign at my local gym.
Our weight loss course lasts 12 weeks and the results could last a lifetime.
It’s not wrong. It’s just a bit dull. So what’s missing? How about a semicolon? A semicolon joins two complete sentences which are closely related.
Our weight loss course lasts 12 weeks; the results could last a lifetime.
Yep, that’s getting better. This has got much more of a woo-hoo about it. It’s just 12 weeks! But you might stay thin, like, for-ever.
But I think what we really need here is a colon. Remember, a colon is used to show what comes after is an explanation or elaboration of what comes before. It’s a bit of a taa-daa! A drum roll if you like. Take a look.
Our weight loss course lasts 12 weeks: the results could last a lifetime.
Oooh now you’re talking. This has way more oomph. You could have the body of a model for the rest of your life just by turning up for 12 weeks. Awesome. Now, where do I sign-up?
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