Punctuation as a tool of expressiveness: when a comma changes the meaning

this article examines the analysis of the role of punctuation, in particular, the comma, as a tool of expressiveness of speech. The purpose of the study is to study the features of punctuation, as well as to find sentences and situations where one punctuation mark can change the meaning of the statement and affect the perception of the text by the reader. The objectives of the study include the study of the theoretical basis of the use of commas and the emphasis on how punctuation affects the meaning of the statement. Of particular interest are cases where a comma acts as a "semantic switch" that can shift the emphasis in a sentence, create ambiguity, and produce ambiguous syntactic structures. The paper focuses on how writers use punctuation marks to enhance the emotional impact of their writing. The article provides examples of how a comma can influence the interpretation of meaning in literature. The results of the study form the basis for subsequent scientific research in the field of punctuation as an instrument of expressiveness. The results of the article can be used in the preparation of educational and methodological complexes for disciplines related to stylistics and are of interest to linguists, teachers, and literary scholars. The information obtained in the study can also be used in the educational process when studying punctuation rules or in writing classes. Following the recommendations will help authors avoid the most common mistakes and take their texts to a new level.

punctuation marks, comma, punctuation, the Russian language, punctuation rules, expressiveness, intonation