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Poll: How would you punctuate this sentence advising people of what to do if they see an unattended bag?

How would you punctuate this sentence advising people of what to do if they see an unattended bag?

Don't touch, check with other passengers, inform station staff or dial 999.
Don't touch- check with other passengers, inform station staff or dial 999.
Don't touch; check with other passengers, inform station staff or dial 999.
Don't touch. Check with other passengers, inform station staff or dial 999.

Statistics Poll Stats

This Poll:

  • Votes: 762
  • Comments: 10
  • Added: March 2004

Comments:

Carol Ann Hess

Clearly, the only answer is the first one. New punctuation guidelines would also dictate that a comma should follow the word "staff". Since this is a poll the correct response should be given so that responders would learn something. A favor if a reply iregarding my comments is requested.

Eats shoots

The first is misleading; the comma would suggest that the negative flowed on and you need a break here to move to the positive. The comma before 'or' is optional. You also might want to put a comma in your comment after "Since this is a poll".

Gavin

What does 'A favor if a reply iregarding my comments is requested.' mean? It makes no sense to me.

Lol

It has to be the Semi-Colon, althought short, "Don't Touch" can still count as a sentence, and the comma is in the correct place throughout.

tabbyjohnson28

it could be the one with the period at the beginning otthe one with the semi-colon

Statuess

I prefer the semi-colon, but I think official posters would use the full stop, because it's punchier.

ClaretEverywhere

The most technically correct is probably the one with the semicolon. However, the punchier fullstop version would probably be used for signage, ad campaigns etc.

Diana

The firs choice implies "You", therefore it is the proper sentence structure using commas in a list.

pompom

TRWTF "How would punctuate" Who, Jesus?

Tdol

Pompom,
Thanks for spotting that- I have added a subject.

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