Is the Oxford comma acceptable?

An Oxford, or serial, comma is the last comma in a list; it goes before the word “and.” Technically, it’s grammatically optional in American English. However, depending on the list you are writing out, omitting it can lead to some confusion.

What is the big deal about the Oxford comma?

Proponents say it provides clarity, and critics say it provides redundancy. It goes by “serial” and “Oxford,” for the Oxford University Press style guide, which advocates for the serial comma (even though it’s generally more common in American English usage than British English).

Is the Oxford comma essential or obsolete?

Sometimes, many people argue, the Oxford comma isn’t just a stylistic feature, but an essential one, as the meaning of a sentence can be altered without it. It is therefore important for removing potential ambiguity that can spoil the clarity and elegance of your writing.

What happened to the Oxford comma?

Oxford Comma Dropped: University of Oxford Styleguide Says No To Serial Comma. The serial comma, dubbed the Oxford comma because of its use by writers and editors based at the University of Oxford, had been waning in popularity. For example, most journalists in Canada and the U.S.

Is Oxford comma used in Australia?

In Australia, most style guides recommend leaving out the Oxford comma. However, public service style guides, for example, allow them to be used where confusion could arise or where the items in the list are more complicated than simple one-word names.

Do publishers use the Oxford comma?

AP style does not use Oxford commas. That’s the Chicago Manual of Style, which is commonly used by book publishers, academics and trade publications. If you’re writing a novel you plan to submit to publishers, you probably want to follow Chicago style, which does use the Oxford comma.

Does Cambridge use Oxford comma?

The joke is based on the Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, which is a well-established aspect of English punctuation. It is the comma placed before the last item in a list; it takes its name from Oxford University Press, where it is the house style.

What is the difference between an Oxford comma and a regular comma?

What is the Difference Between an Oxford Comma and a Regular Comma? Technically, the Oxford comma is no different since it’s still a comma. However, unlike the regular comma that holds grammatical significance, the use of an Oxford or serial comma is a stylistic choice.

Why was the Oxford comma removed?

The University of Oxford styleguide has decided that as ‘a general rule’ use of the serial comma should be avoided. The serial comma, dubbed the Oxford comma because of its use by writers and editors based at the University of Oxford, had been waning in popularity. For example, most journalists in Canada and the U.S.

Which writing style does not use the Oxford comma?

Associated Press Style (AP) does not use the Oxford comma.

Does New York Times use Oxford comma?

(In most cases, The Times stylebook discourages the serial comma, often called the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by the Oxford University Press.) It appears the Maine Legislature has learned its lesson, at least.

Is the Oxford comma stylistic or style?

Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma.

Where does the Oxford comma come after eraser?

The Oxford comma comes right after eraser. Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this:

Is the Oxford comma bad for your business?

Making things worse, this punctuation device can sometimes have serious business implications. In 2017 a company settled for $5 million with its drivers because the absence of the Oxford comma in the law text created ambiguity about overtime compensation.

Do you need an Oxford comma in AP style?

AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: