When do i use an oxford comma

But w e here at Dictionary. For us, this mighty comma is a much-appreciated tool in our never-ending quest to convey meaning as clearly as possible. Still not convinced? Take a look at these hilarious examples of real-world sentences that are sorely missing a serial comma.

OK, this freewheeling headline forgoes all punctuation … and may just prove the point that commas in general are needed, but technically it is missing a serial comma, too! According to this news headline, it was a whirlwind romance. The lack of a serial comma in this photo caption presents two possible interpretations both befuddling : Catherine is holding both her daughter and the Queen, two separate entities that are competing for lap space, or Catherine is holding her daughter who happens to be the Queen!

Sometimes when a serial comma is not used, the elements following the first comma can appear to be elaborations of the first element. This illustration is from a video by the ad agency Muhtayzik Hoffer calling for the use of serial commas. Without them, Gram and Gramps seem like dog grandpawents groan.

Probably not. But does that mean we should refrain from using the Oxford comma altogether? According to this helpful TEDEd video , common wisdom states the Oxford comma should be used if it helps the writer and reader avoid confusion.

And the writer should also be consistent with their usage of Oxford commas throughout a piece of writing. They ought not simply use it on a strictly discretionary basis. Others think that it depends on what you're writing. Truth be told, whether you love or despise the Oxford comma, and whether you use it or not, probably depends on who taught you how to use punctuation. If, however, your first editor had a meltdown every time you used the Oxford comma, then you probably avoid it like the plague.

Do you use the Oxford comma? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below. Topics: Oxford comma , Comma. Customer Login Create New Account. Call Us NOW! Ironically, the Oxford comma is not actually a big deal in the U. The U. Additionally, while serial comma and Oxford comma are both common search terms, Oxford comma is by far the stronger term. However, in any country, whether or not you choose to use the Oxford comma is typically a personal choice.

In the U. Let's review the main style guides and see where each of the heavy-hitters comes down on the subject. They wrote, "We don't ban Oxford commas! We say: If omitting a comma could lead to confusion or misinterpretation, then use the comma. The AP Stylebook is commonly used amongst journalists.

That's why, when you read articles from magazines and news outlets, you might notice the lack of the Oxford comma. In the punctuation section of the guidebook, it states the APA "requires the use of the serial or Oxford comma in lists of three or more items. It, too, requires the serial comma in a list of three or more items. It comes down to be a matter of ambiguity. In an effort to minimize exactly that, the Chicago Manual of Style calls for the serial comma.

The only style guide that leaves it open to interpretation is the Associated Press. While the style guides provide a clear set of rules for the Oxford comma, this is far from an open and shut issue.

The controversy is still raging on the internet and beyond on whether to use or not to use the Oxford comma. The truth is that the Oxford comma is both grammatically correct and often grammatically unnecessary at the same time.

With no clear answer, the debate will continue. In fact, this highly contested comma even lead to a proposed boycott of a coin. Author Philip Pullman called for a boycott of the Brexit 50p because of a missing Oxford comma. Additionally, the TikTok video by Kelsie Satterfield showing the merits and importance of the Oxford comma went viral in There are a lot of people on both sides of the serial comma issue.

No matter where you stand on the serial comma, there are a few very significant pros and cons you should know. It clears up ambiguity in a sentence: "I want to thank my parents, the president, and the vice president.

It can produce ambiguity: "This is for my daughter, Billie, and Sherrie. The omission of an Oxford comma can create a stronger connection between the last two items than was intended.

Alright, alright. If someone is truly adamant, don't allow them to get under your collar. It's true that the Oxford comma is open to interpretation, but, in the case of academic writing, be sure to check your style guides. Three out of four require it. In informal writing, go with your gut. Choose what works best, just be consistent. If you want to err on the side of clear and concise, use the Oxford comma.

Remember you may run into a situation akin to the delivery drivers in Maine if you go without it. For such a tiny punctuation mark, the comma carries a lot of weight.