Comma question

Elzrc

Hi, I have a question regarding comma usage that I can't find in any of the usual guides.
Take these two sentences: He did not shoot the man as he was told. Or, he did not shoot the man, as he was told.
Which means he was told to shoot, and which means he was told not to shoot.
Thanks for your help.

Truckerswife

The first version means he did shoot, the second that he didn't. 

DavidCrosbie

In both sentences he didn't shoot the man.

In the first sentence he was told to shoot him

In the second sentence he was told not to shoot him.

jbroadstock128

David, I think the first sentence could suggest the man had been shot.

He could have shot the man in the foot when he was told to shoot him in the head..."He did not shoot the man as he was told."

DavidCrosbie

@jbroadstock128, the first sentence could be compatible with your scenario. But it couldn't suggest it.