This powerpoint compares punctuation marks to symbols of levels of relationships

1. PUNCTUATION MARKS:
THE “DTR”S OF
PHRASAL RELATIONSHIPS
A story on why it’s important to “define the relationship” in both life and in language

2. WHAT’S A “DTR”?
A “DTR” stands for “Defining the
Relationship”, a conversation in which the
type and level of a relationship is
discussed and settled upon, often with use
of a symbol!

3. WHY DO THEY MATTER?
 “DTR”s matter because if a relationship is not defined, then
confusion and hurt feelings can occur.
 Symbols are important because they signify to everyone the status
of the relationship. That way, both the couple and everyone else
knows what kind of relationship two people have.
 If the level of the relationship and the symbols do not match up,
there are often problems in the relationship.
Symbols Signify Type of Relationship!

4. CASE IN POINT:
“SINGLE LADIES”
BY BEYONCE
What does she mean by,
“If you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it”?

5. W H AT T H E S Y M B O L S M E A N I N L I F E
A N D I N L A N G UAG E :
When it comes to levels of connectedness, life and language are reversed.
In life, more symbols mean you’re more connected.
In language, however, having fewer or less dramatic punctuation marks
between two clauses means that they are more closely linked to one another.

6. LOWEST LEVELS OF
CONNECTEDNESS
In Life: In Language:
No Symbols = We’re Only Casually Linked End Punctuation = We’re separate ideas
 First I bought supplies. Then I
started my project.
 Who was that on the phone?
They were really loud.
 What a commotion! You guys
really need to quiet down.

7. MEDIUM LEVELS OF
CONNECTEDNESS
In Life: In Language:
“GF”/ “BF” Titles= We’re Exclusive Semi-colon/Colon = We’re very linked
 Here’s what’s on my shopping
list: eggs, pancake mix and
bacon.
 I couldn’t stand the rock
concert; it was just too loud.

8. HIGHER LEVELS OF
CONNECTEDNESS
In Life: In Language:
Getting “Pinned” = We’re Very Serious Comma = We “linked at the hip”
 I am available to go, but I’ll
have to get a ride there.
 My best friend, Mary Ellen,
is the sweetest girl you’ll ever
meet.

9. HIGHEST LEVELS OF
CONNECTEDNESS
In Life: In Language:
Wedding Band = We’re for Forever No Punctuation = “We complete each other.”
 I must go.
 I love wearing jeans and flip
flops.
 What are you doing?
 He and I are a “we”.

10. W H E N R E L AT I O N S H I P S
ARE NOT DEFINED IN LIFE

11. W H E N R E L AT I O N S H I P S A R E
N O T D E F I N E D I N L A N G UA G E

12. MORAL OF THE STORY:
Define the relationship; use proper punctuation!