As writers we strive to ensure that the words we write, the phrases we use, and the scenes we create accurately reflect our intended meaning and are not easily susceptible to misinterpretation by our readers. As readers, we want to know that the words we read mean what the writer intended and what we think they mean, and that they are not subject to other interpretations. Where these goals seem to be neglected, sometimes with humorous results, is in the world of signs. For example, I recently saw this highway sign as I drove home from Washington's Dulles International Airport: "All trucks must exit next two exits". I thought: If I were driving a truck, I would not be happy being required to exit the highway at the next exit, then required to get back onto the highway, and then leave the highway once again to fulfill the sign's mandate of exiting twice. ...

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